I love their custom sandwiches. Roast beef and provolone on wheat for me please! The ordering process can be a pain though. Most of the guys do not speak English and it can be hard to communicate your order at times. I kept telling one guy, DO NOT toast my bread over and over - huh? The guy next to him even relayed my message and he still didn't understand. As he was about to throw my bread in the toaster, I had to yell over the counter, NO TOAST! I hate having to do that... Otherwise, the sandwiches are good, generous, and cheap compared to other options in the area.
(4)
Ryan O.
This place is just awesome! If you like fresh New York bagels, this the place for you. Quick service, reasonable, and the best tasting bagels around. I'm a sucker for sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwiches. Basically eat one whenever I'm out on the road in the morning (or afternoon) and this by far the best I've had. Try one for yourself.
(5)
Kevin G.
This is what you expect of them: To deliver you a delicious bagel in little time, exactly as you ordered it. This is what is expected of you: Read the menu before you get to the head of the line and be prepared to order in a clear voice. They won't need you to repeat it, and they get it right the first time every time I've been there. If you can't do these things, expect attitude from the employees. What, princess? It's not like you were ever going to tip them anyway! Quid pro quo, Clarice. Be a douche and expect attitude in return. Oh, and CASH ONLY.
(5)
Tracy P.
By far the best bagel shop in the georgetown/arlington area. Amazing bagel sandwiches (egg, cheese sausage) all made to order and delicious. And they are FAST, that line move quick, and they have a nice seating area out front. Easy parking too. Only negative is cash only, but that is a minor inconvenience.
(5)
Joel S.
I recall a New Yorker edge to these guys a few years ago, but the past two days have been fine. The bagels are top notch. As far as this New Yorker is concerned you won't find a better bagel in the DC/VA/MD area. lots of bagel, spread, sandwich options make it all the better.
(4)
Dea A.
Chewy, large, properly made and delicious. They have a pile of brownies to take and secretly eat for an unhealthy mid-day snack.
(5)
Jen W.
As a New Yorker, I am a bit of a bagel snob but I must admit this is the best bagel I've found in this region. The only drawback is they don't accept credit cards but they do have an ATM in the place.
(5)
L S.
Granted, I didn't have a bagel, so I can't attest to those. I did have the Park Slope sandwich, which was ok, but the bread it was on was disgusting - it tasted like cardboard. I ended up just eating the middle of the sandwich (carb lite!) and throwing the 'ciabata roll' (their term, not mine) out. For a place that calls itself a bakery, you'd think they'd have better. Fingers crossed I like the bagels better.
(2)
Andrew G.
Legendary Arlington breakfast/lunch eatery. Super fresh bagels and breakfast sandwhiches. It can get very crowded on the weekends, but the lines move fast. Sausage Egg and Cheese and Sesame Bagel cannot be beat, and if nutrition wasn't a factor, I would eat here every morning.
(4)
Jon H.
I would give it five stars, but its just solid bagels here. The service is efficient (almost too efficient), and the bagels are pretty fresh and decently priced. Highlights? French Toast bagel (rare in many places) and Salt bagel (rare as well, mostly NY specific). I would have given it 5 stars, but unfortunately I found out 2 days later that Bruegger's has Salt Bagels now too, and I think their bagels are just fresher, so I took a star away. All in all, the bagels are very solid here. Just a tad too thick (I had 1 once that almost had no hole in the middle), and just a tad too dense. Unfortunately, I just can't tell the difference between here and Brueggers anymore, and to me, Brueggers is just fresher.
(4)
Andrei C.
This is the only bagel place in the Courthouse area of Arlington, therefore, not much choice when it comes to bagels. The texture and taste of the BBB bagels is mediocre, at best. The cream cheese mixes are OK, some are actually nice, depending on your personal preferences. Although the bagels are mediocre, they are still better than Einstein Brothers and other factory franchise type of stores. Although they bill themselves a bakery, BBB does not provide "baker's dozen" packages to take to your office. For those who do not know what a baker's dozen means - it is a package that contains 13 items and you pay the price for 12. BBB is the only bakery I have walked into that does not do that. The really bad part is when you try something that is non-bagel. The sandwiches are yucky. The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich barely has any cheese on it, it is drowned in mayo and the vegetables are almost raw, barely heated on the griddle. Yuck, yuck, yuck! The Coney Island sandwich was even worse, with the chicken breast being so overcooked, it chewed like a piece of Goodyear rubber. Another oddity is that the place is located in a heavily populated area with lots of offices, yet they do not accept credit cards and I never got a receipt from them unless I specifically asked for it (and I got the evil eye for doing so). I wonder if the IRS knows of this piece of trivia. Conclusion: bagels are somewhat OK, other items suck. Prices are generally high for the quality you get. Cash only and no receipts. I would avoid this place.
(1)
Debi N.
I've been to many bagel shops. I even have my go-to-bagel-shop place back home that I miss dearly. This place it's as amazing as everyone makes it seem.. It's cute, they have lots of yummy drink choices and menu items, and the service is quick. I like that it's quick. However, if I'm gonna pay for lox, I expect some lox. They always seem to jip me and it's never enough to fill the bagel. I've also notice (with egg bagel sandwiches) the egg is like only like 1/2 the size of the bagel. Which leaves extra bread. Yeah, the bagel itself is okay, but I don't want just bread. If I did I'd just order a plain bagel for 1/4 of the price than a whole sandwich. However, this place is the only place I found near me that serves lox. So I'll be back...I guess. Oh yes, CASH ONLY, which sucks.
(2)
Chad O.
Grew up on bagels in northern Jersey and NYC. Brooklyn Bagels is as good as I've found in NOVA/DC after 3 years of trying. It is CASH only, ATM machine in store. Saturday mornings are a zoo. Seating is limited, but turns over relatively quickly. There is a charge for coffee/soda refills. The bagel, egg, cheese, and whatever sandwiches are extremely good and popular. However, they do full deli sandwiches. My personal favorite is chicken salad on pumpernickel bagel with sprouts.
(5)
Kristen R.
I gotta give it to them... being middle eastern, taking cash only in a preppy white area.. they do well for themselves. Their bagels are good, their breakfast sandwiches are better. This girl at the register is not very nice, the guys behind the counter don't mess around. When it's your time to order you better order. Reminds me of New York i guess.
(4)
Shahram L.
Excellent bagels. Chocolate chip, cheddar jalapeño, all kinds. It's totally worth the wait. Everything is just so fresh and delicious.
(5)
Sarah H.
A must -try bagel place in DC. If I lived here I'd be a regular. It's right across the street from the metro too.. how convenient is that?! They also have a private parking lot in the back.. how convenient is that x2?! Bagels are baked fresh every morning and there's a good selection of breads, spreads, and combos to choose from. The BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE on GARLIC BAGEL is addicting. Grab an orange juice or coffee to pair with your bagel. Can't wait to come here again when I visit DC. yummy yummy yummy.
(5)
Lindsay R.
1 star deduction because A) I wish they would take credit cards B) I wish there was more seating. I've been here twice in the past couple weeks and I'm pretty sure my husband and I will make it a weekly trip! Bagels are fresh and yummy. Service is quick. I believe prices are comparable for the area (actually, probably a bit less expensive than Corner Bakery, which is next door, but better quality). So far I have had the everything bagel with plain cream cheese and the lox with cream cheese. Both were delish! That little shop gets very crowded and you need to know what you're going to order before getting into line, or else you're holding up the staff. In my opinion, staff were not rude, but just worked at a hurried pace (which I appreciate) to serve the food quickly. Check in with Foursquare and get a free bagel and cream cheese.
(4)
Valarie G.
Cash only and very very loud machines kind of kill the ambiance. I got lox, onion, and an egg on an everything bagel and while it was good - it was overly salty...but could be my fault on the ordering as well.
(3)
Ayla B.
The only place open for breakfast before 8am around here (Opens M-F 0630, Sat & Sun 0700). Thanks to the other reviews, we got cash beforehand (no plastic taken here) & the hubby & I checked out the menu online so we wouldn't hold up the line deciding what we wanted. Cost was more than we expected, $20.80 for: Sausage, egg, & cheese on cinnamon raisin bagel w/ plain cream cheese (they use a real fried egg!) Sausage, egg, & cheese on sun dried tomato bagel w/ veggie lite cream cheese (sausage is perfect) Two spiced chai lattes (best I've ever had!!) Two orange juices I thoroughly enjoyed watching them make the bagels while we ate. The kitchen is surrounded by glass so you can watch the process from beginning to end! Overall, great experience!! The bagels were so perfect! Not so chewy & heavy on the inside like most bagels. Nice crunch on the outside. We'll definitely be going again while we're in town!
(5)
Jaymi F.
I don't understand... maybe because this is the only 'breakfast' place within walking distance. Long lines. rude staff. cash only (with no signs posting such). bad bagels. That's what I don't understand: bad bagels = long lines?
(1)
John G.
Bar none the best in arlington to get your bagels. Speedy service great selection of bagels and at the very least competitive if not inexpensive prices. Just be sure to bring cash or use the on site ATM as they dot take cards. Beyond their bagels their breakfast sandwiches and lunch pizza are both highlights as well
(5)
Windi L.
Do you remember the soup Nazi? As in "HAVE YOUR ORDER READY TO GO" type of operation? Yeah... Brooklyn Bagel is kind of like that. The line gets long but it moves quickly. When ordering, speak LOUDLY and CLEARLY. Oh how many times have I ordered a tuna melt and it came with Swiss cheese **GAG** Articulate your words. The bagels here are made in house and served fresh. My favorite is the salt bagel. Only gripe is that there's only salt on one side of the bagel so if you get a tuna melt (as I often do), you only get that salty crunch on one of the pieces of tuna. Another Chinky favorite is the lox with a coffee and biscotti. Something about their biscotti is unique and different. Very tasty and not too stale. Sorry, kids... I can't comment on their cream cheese as I don't eat that stuff. They also serve coconut water so when you're hung over from your pepper party you can hydrate correctly. Cash only. Just to give you an idea of the cost: one tuna melt on a salt bagel + one lox on salt (no cream cheese) + 1 small coffee + 1 bottled juice + 1 coconut water == $20 even. Limited seating both indoors and out but somehow I always find a seat. Oh and don't even think about bringing a dog inside. It's not worth the risk.
(4)
Erin T.
This is the worst bagel shop I have been to in the DC area. First, every bagel you eat will automatically taste like onions because they use the same utensils between bagels. Second, if you spend more than five minutes in the restaurant you will come out smelling like burnt toast. Third, their roof leaks in heavy rain on your head while you stand in line. Fourth, I hope you like Raisin or Plain bagels, because those are the only two flavors they consistently have in stock. Fifth, if you find you accidentally didn't carry cash into this "apparently" cash-only restaurant, you will be berated by the cashier as you leave (Don't worry, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, I won't be making that mistake again--I won't be coming back). Sixth, the bagels are not nearly fresh enough to be called true Brooklyn style--false advertising. Skip it and go to the Cosi across the street.
(1)
Hannah B.
It's probably good that this place doesn't take credit cards..or I'd eat there every morning. They make probably the best bacon egg and cheese I've ever had. The bagels are a pretty big side and they loooaddd it with bacon. Its not like one from other places where they give you a couple slices Also don't be intimidated by the hangover crowd on the weekend, the line moves pretty fast. Even though I started off my review with "It's probably good they don't take credit cards",I do wish they did(reasons for not the full 5 stars) I'm one of those people who never has cash because once I get it, its gone. I have been there when they've let people pay with credit card. Not sure if they know the owners or if they have a big purchase, but they do have an atm in there and there is also a Wells Fargo and Bank of America right around the corner. Overall delicious bagels and bagel sandwichs. A must for every Saturday/Sunday morning for sure.
(4)
Matt K.
I live in Long Island so have grown up on the best bagels in the world and especially the best bacon-egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches. Because of this, I didn't even want to try one of these in Virgina. So, I ordered the ROCKAWAY REUBEN and it was delicious!
(4)
Timothy M.
Best bagels in Arlington
(5)
Paul L.
I have a good friend who really likes this place. It is, indeed, an OK place and I don't regret going. The bagel, their mainstay, is just OK. They are a little doughy. Perhaps I am picky because I am a New Yorker. I probably would have given them four stars if they didn't have Brooklyn in the name. If the premise is a New York bagel, that's what I expect. I ordered a simple egg and cheese w/salt,pepper, ketchup. The egg wasn't enough to cover the bagel, there was not cheese and salt,peper,ketchup on the side. Now, the egg issues was a matter of taste, the cheese was forgivable, but are you really going to call yourself a NYC bagel company and not put the SPK on the bagel for the customer? I have never had a bagel in the five boroughs where I said, salt peper ketchup and they didn't apply it to the sandwich. It's a good spot, but it would be better known as Arlington Bagel Bakery. Although on a fair note, it has epic New York style lines. Depending on the time of day, it has Moses and the Exodus style lines.
(3)
Brooke G.
Jew from NJ/NY looking for a good bagel in the DMV area! I tried a few places and *maybe* Bethesda Bagels holds a candle to them, but it was extinguished in due time. I tend to go there every Sunday to grab bagels to bring mom's (of note, she says there's no comparison in the area). They are freshly baked, yum :-) There is a separate line for just bagels (along with cream cheese, whitefish containers, etc...) and they are quick to serve you. However, the line for sandwiches can get a bit long but tends to move quickly. The only downside is that they are cash-only. While I never spend enough to warrant use of a credit card, I don't always carry cash, and have to remember to hit the ATM. It's convenient that there is a B o A right around the corner.
(5)
N M.
Fast and yummy. The service while efficient is not pleasant, but they get the job done. If you forget cash, they have an ATM. Busy place on weekends!
(5)
Ann B.
The most New Yorkish things about this place are that they're crabby, they only take cash, and it's somewhat awkward to move around in when it's busy. Their bagels are actually pretty decent, though they tend to run out of popular varieties and the outer-bagel seasonings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, salt, etc.) can be sparse to absent. They have a nice variety of stuff like fresh fruit, salads, cookies, etc. and a good beverage selection. Pizza is okay - Goody's is better. The least New Yorkish thing about this place is the amount of cream cheese on my bagel. Their cream cheese schmears are SKIMPY. The goop should be falling on my lap! Things like chicken/tuna salad get piled on in great heaping mounds... why not the cream cheese? Sheesh.
(3)
Taieb Z.
Best bagels in DMV area !!!
(5)
C H.
Great Bagel for a good Price. Its a good sign when the entire shop is full at 0930 on Sunday morning. They didn't get a 5th Star because the coffee was not fresh and a bit weak. Other than the coffee I would highly recommend Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)
Jason K.
Good lox and cream cheese. My friends were somewhat disappointed with their stuff but mine was great.
(3)
C M.
One time I was trying to motivate myself to go on a 7-8 mile run. I reeeally didn't want to. What, I thought, could possibly be a great enough reward to run that far at 8 AM on a Saturday morning? And then it hit me: an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich on an everything bagel from Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse. THE ONLY THING WORTH RUNNING FOR. Thus, I ran all the way from NW DC, across bridges and up ENDLESS HILLS, to Arlington just to get a bagel from this place. It was entirely worth it. The bagels are fresh and chewy, not bread-y. They fry real eggs (not yellowish circles of rubber) for their breakfast sandwiches. The staff is efficient and speedy (I don't find them rude at all). To think I once lived just down the street! Why didn't I eat here every single day? Why don't they open like 10 more locations? Why are bagel options so terrible in DC? Whyyyyyy??
(5)
Nicky B.
I eat Brooklyn bagel about once a week (would be more if my metabolism would just go back to its pre-teen state) and today while chomping on my everything bagel with cream cheese and tomato, I felt compelled to write a review. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet, because it is HANDS DOWN the BEST bagel in DC. Now, if you know bagels, you'll know that this does not say much, but still, they're really good. I recommend the jalapeno and cheddar (it's not that spicy, but it's good) or an everything bagel. The reviews that say this place isn't like New York's bagels, get a life people. I've had some pretty crappy bagels in New York too. For DC, this place is as good as you get. They also have pizza at lunch which is pretty good for a grab and go slice in the area. Take cash, no credit card accepted here!
(5)
Jason F.
I recently moved to DC--our Nation's capital--from New York--our Nation's bagel capital. As an open bagel-a-holic, I anticipated suffering some serious withdrawal when I left NYC. Why? I couldn't believe that a decent bagel could be found below the Mason-Dixon Line. I thought that DC-metro-area bagel quality would be Dead Sea low. Itching for a fix, one day I decided to give Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a try. To my surprise, it wasn't pretty decent. Not as good as NY, but it'll satisfy my bagel craving for as long as I live in Arlington.
(4)
Derek H.
I went to this place at about 2:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon. It was like walking into a scene from Braveheart; just the bloody remains of a terrible battlefield. It was a surreal experience. Empty napkin holders, overflowing trashcans, war-weary staff, drained coffee canisters, syrup-starved soda machines... It looked like a hurricane had come through. Which is easy to understand when you consider this is the best bagel shop in the greater Arlington area and people, they love their goddamn bagels. I recommend it for that purpose alone. They have great homemade bagels, a nice variety of cold cut and breakfast sandwiches, and the usual ye ole bagel shoppe accompaniments (like decent coffee). There is nothing extraordinary here; just a solid joint that does what they advertise with very little fuss. It is too bad that Brooklyn Bagel is squeezed into that little strip of courthouse bars/restaurants there. If it was easier to get there via car, I'd make it a more routine destination. But then again, going by at 10 AM on a Sunday and I'd I have to say, I kind of doubt they're hurting for my business.
(3)
Patrick G.
I consider myself a lentil soup conniseur & they have some of the best (house made) I've ever had! I am addicted to theirs. I wish I could say the same about their rude/indifferent staff. It would make the experience more pleasant if they were more friendly. The lentil soup gets 5 stars, however, the staff only get 1 star. Sorry
(3)
David K.
I'm not an expert on bagels or New York or New York style bagels. But I do consider myself an expert on breakfast sandwiches having experienced fast food breakfasts at at least 15 fast food chains. I can safely say the sausage egg and cheese bagel on a jalapeno cheese bagel is the best I've ever had. I routinely drive across the county to wait in a huge Saturday morning line for this sandwich, and will continue too. Be aware that it will be very crowded at all times during the morning and weekends. There is limited seating inside, a bit outside, so take out makes sense. Often, they will have the bagel machine turned on so you can see how the bagels were made. This is also a pretty dog friendly location with the outdoor seating, and many local residents bring their dogs here while they enjoy the food. Note that it is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM on the premises. Also note that they spelled their own name wrong on the logo printed on the glass front door. For some reason I always get a kick out of this. I'm obviously easily entertained which is probably why my favorite movies are Captain Ron and Freddy Got Fingered.
(5)
Kristin W.
Definitely one of the best bagel spots in the DC area. Fresh, soft bagels in a variety of flavors and tasty cream cheese are available if you can brave the curt efficiency of the employees behind the counter.
(4)
Aaron P.
I can't speak to everything on the menu, but the toasted onion bagel with cream cheese makes me wish my flight home to California was delayed. Are bagels allowed as a carry-on?
(5)
Justin C.
Nicole was having a huge bagel craving after missing out on her office's free bagels which were of course brought in during Yom Kippur when she couldn't eat them. I decided to scan Yelp for somewhere not too far (I didn't feel like going into the city just for bread) with a good reputation and came upon BBB. We got there later in the day, around 2pm on a Sunday, so pretty much all of our first choices for bagel type were sold out. From the few remaining options I chose the jalapeno & cheddar bagel as the basis for my BLT+cheese. I was quite unhappy, and most likely would have given them 2 stars had Nicole not enjoyed hers and the fact we arrived so late. To me, the bagel tasted very little like either jalapeno OR cheddar, and was tough for this style of bagel. The cheese on the sandwich tasted just like those little slices in the plastic your mom used to put on your sandwiches, yuck. There was almost no bacon or tomato, so I wound up with essentially a lettuce and mayo sandwich. Also, the drinks from the refrigerator are not cold, so I suggest getting a cup of ice from the fountain machine.
(3)
Elina T.
Only bagel place in the DC area that serves authentic, NY-style bagels. I can judge 'cause I'm from Brooklyn! The bagels are always fresh (you can see the staff making them in the back) and, even though it's always packed in the mornings, they take your order very fast and never mess it up. I always get the bagel with lox and they give you a very generous portion of lox as well. Their sandwiches are very good also, I like the Coney Island. The owner is also really friendly and he works the line just like anybody else. He always recognizes us when we come in.
(5)
Tu-van L.
Never actually stepped foot into the place, but the two times I've had bagels brought over from this place I've been impressed. The bagels are HUGE with the right ratio of chewy and crunchy. The first instance was half of a sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox. That half filled me plenty for my morning event. The second instance was an assortment of bagels with cream cheese and some lox. While the plain bagels were warm and chewy, the everything bagel was disappointing. As my favorite bagel flavor, the everything was hard and tough to chew with not much "everything" on it. Nevertheless both those bagels with the fixings were enough to fill me the entire day. If I'm in the neighborhood during the day, I'd definitely stop by for some other bagel sandwich options. Can only imagine how much bigger their sandwiches are with those HUGE bagels.
(4)
Jack F.
Not sure how Brooklyn Bagel Bakery ("BBB") stacks up against a real NYC deli but it certainly exudes the same NY attitude - impatient, entitled, and "what's it to you." BBB certainly has a huge morning following. The bagels are undoubtedly large and crusty (see Percy W.). Hygiene, however, might be questionable. When I purchased a pre-packaged container of cream cheese, it looked like it had already been used (knife marks), there was a short strand of hair on the bagels (not mine), and I even noticed a tiny bug. Individually, none of these instances would bother me but taken altogether, I'm having second thoughts. Bottom Line: Verdict is still out but I'm willing to try again. [Original Visit: November 14, 2010]
(3)
Brandi H.
I've only ever been here for breakfast. It's good, but it's not Brooklyn style. They don't have kaiser rolls available for breakfast sandwiches...ever hear of a Breakfast Special? It's a NY area signature, along with a Hungry Man Hero. They could easily make these if they had the bread. And even in NYC they don't rush the line like they do here.
(3)
JJ K.
As a former Jerseyan, I am very particular about my bagels. No snobbery here; those from the NYC area just have been spoiled. When I moved to the area several years ago and saw this joint, I silently scoffed at the name. But of course I had to test it out. My verdict? Authentic taste! I would not go anywhere else in the area for a bagel. Every time I have a bagel from here, I am taken back to my childhood in the armpit of America. Absolutely recommended!
(5)
Joseph B.
Where else would you go for a quick breakfast sandwich? Significantly better coffee and bagels than DD. The lunch menu is just as good...I think I ordered the Williamsburg so many times in the last 12 months it really would not surprise me if I turned into one. Great sandwich, worth the $6.
(4)
Andrew H.
I'm going to preface this by saying: I KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT WHAT MAKES A BAGEL AUTHENTIC OR NOT That being said, I really enjoyed this little place. I was in town on business for a week, staying at the Courtyard stop (not a whole lot going on there, honestly) I was looking for a breakfast place close to the hotel and ended up eating at this little hole-in-the-wall almost every day. Bagels had a good balance of tough and chew. I really liked the bacon, egg, and cheese bagels. Bacon had the perfect level of crispiness. Their OJ is REALLY good, and REALLY expensive ($2.50). The service is a bit...short...rude...and downright surly, but that didn't bother me *too* much. Also, be warned: THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY.
(4)
Alexandra M.
OVERVIEW: Ohmygod amazing! Best. Bagel. Place. They have great home-made bagels and bagel sandwiches, especially for some one who is hung over on a Saturday morning. It is a tiny place and it is CASH ONLY. The service is loud, fast, and totally awake, unlike I was. How does a bagel place get a 5-star rating? By having the best bagels, preparing bagel sandwiches fresh right in front of you with amazing/fresh ingredients, always being crammed full of hungry people ( a sure sign of a great food find), and totally satisfying/curing hangovers! That is how! A friend of mine took me here one Saturday morning (you know those days where you throw on sweats, glasses, and a ball cap? Yeah, one of those) because I said I just wanted an Einstein bagel or something. I am SO glad he brought me to this local gem instead. The place is basically a long row house with a counter running the length of it. They have tons of different types of bagels (made fresh) and once you've selected what you want (bagel with schmear or a sandwich etc) you basically follow your bagel down the assembly line counter and watch the guys behind the counter work their bagel magic. The servers and bagel magicians were pretty loud, and definitely trying to move the line along; some Yelpers said that this was a negative. I think it's great. It was a very fun experience. It definitely helped wake me up! It IS cash-only, but I have come to discover that almost ALL my favorite places in Arlington are cash-only.
(5)
Leese H.
Be aware that the bagels are somewhat dry. I come back because it's one of the few quick in-and-out breakfast places in the area. There's scattered seating in the back, and some open seating outside of store when the weather is warm. My favorite is the lox with tomato, red onions and capers. Great place for a fast carb-fix after a rough hangover.
(3)
Kara B.
Best bagel spot in the area! From breakfast sandwiches to the surprisingly delicious pizza bagel for lunch - it's worth a visit. It's incredible how the staff keeps all the orders going with the crowds on the weekends, but I've never seen them make a mistake. Note: Cash only. Seating is tight but there's high turnover.
(4)
Larry F.
Having worked around the corner from this restaurant for almost three years, I stop in regularly at least twice a week - usually once for a bagel and cr cheese, and once for a sausage/egg/cheese sandwich. It is a very popular restaurant - there is usually a line at times you would expect, but there are plenty of staff and it goes very very quickly. The bagels are reminiscent of NYC...light and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and there are plenty of varieties always available. In addition to the normal selections, they also make a french toast bagel which you could easily eat without any additional topping. They sell a large variety of homemade cream cheeses. My favorites are the lox spread, maple walnut, and especially the garlic cr cheese. They offer a plain lite spread, but they could do well by offering other flavors in lite as well. Their breakfast sandwiches are decent, but I always have to remember to ask for salt and pepper...they can sometimes tend to be a little flat on flavor. Lunch sandwiches are decent as well, but I tend to stick with breakfast fare at this establishment. The one drawback is they only take cash.
(4)
Angela M.
Best bagel place ever!
(5)
Geoff P.
I don't care about how authentic they may or may not be; all I know is that the Brooklyn Bagel makes my favorite bagels in the DC area! The egg and cheese bagel sandwiches are excellent as well. While the staff may sometimes be a bit terse during the late morning rush, I find them to be very efficient and accommodating as long as you are prepared to order and are understanding that it can get very busy on weekend mornings.
(5)
Jess M.
Best sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel you can get in town! The service is friendly and to the point, the atmosphere is always busy. Credit cards aren't accepted here, so don't forget your cash!
(4)
Scott B.
Visiting from out of town. Did a quick Yelp and found BBB was the place for bagels. Indeed, the reviews were correct and I'm glad I went with an everything bagel. The strawberry cream cheese was a little disappointing, as it was pink with little strawberry flavor. Coffee is good and enjoyed watching the bagels being made as I ate. Give it a try...
(4)
Frank W.
A snug place to grab food with friends. The food is nice and the guys in this store are friendly.
(5)
Ryan F.
After a raucous night out, most weekend mornings I'm feelin a bit less spry than I usually do. After waking up and completing the 3 S's I like to mosey my way into Brooklyn Bagel for some dank doughy deliciousness. The bacon, egg, and Cheese is my path the enlightenment and a more pleasant day. Sure the bagel folk are a bit surly (except the cute cashier), but you're probably being an retard holding up the line. So don't hold up the line, we all need our goddamn bagels! Don't make me have to choke a bitch!
(5)
M L.
It's all been said: good bagels, nazi ordering process, crowded, takes only cash. But good overall and now my go to place for bagel cravings. Did anyone mention they have lox? I enjoy lox. Try a bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers.
(4)
Serena B.
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. It was a Sunday morning, so crowds are to be expected, but it was pretty chaotic. To keep it simple, I had a sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese. That cream cheese was the most vile kind that I have ever had in my life. It was completely artificial in both taste and look- disgusting! The bagel wasn't anything to write home about either. I also noticed that several people were waiting for more coffee to be brewed as they were all out. Maybe it was an off day, but I thought it was terrible.
(2)
Autumn B.
I stumbled into this place driving down Wilson Blvd and I noticed a line out the door on a Saturday morning. I found a spot and moseyed in. They've got a broad selection of bagels and sandwiches they make for any meal. Since it was morning, I had a sausage, egg & cheese and it was divine! The BLT is wonderful, as are the bagels & lox, as I've discovered on subsequent visits. I've found its easiest to park in the courthouse parking lot rather than try to find street parking. This place is a great spot for breakfast on the weekend, though be prepared for crowds.
(5)
Billgrolic G.
Everything bagel, egg, cheese, some sort of breakfast meat. The best bagels I've had in the area. Had good lox here, as well. Be ready and sure of yourself when you place your order. The bagel guys behind the counter can smell fear (or how hungover you are).
(5)
Ampersand A.
If you glance through the reviews below, you'll notice words like "terse" and "surly" and "bagel nazis." I've always noticed how angry the staff seems to be. Yes, the bagels are good. They are too big for most toasters though, and are too big for the average adult. Portion inflation? So -- angry, terse, surly service, good bagels -- and some kind of weird family dynamic going on with the servers. Like the brothers are angry that people are talking to their sister, and the sister is really intimidated by the brothers, but still wants to serve the customers.
(3)
Gabriel B.
The bagels are better than any I've found in Northern Virginia, but the customer service is atrocious. I bought a cup of tea which was only filled half way with hot water. When I asked the cashier to finish filling the cup, I got a death stare before she did it. I certainly shouldn't be subjected to abuse to get what I paid for.
(2)
Kate T.
Bacon, egg & cheese on an onion bagel....the official hangover cure In my world. I LOVE this place (even if I'm not hungover haha). I love everything about it... They don't take cash, it's a tiny place, the staff is a little abrasive..I don't care I love it. Those guys can move! I timed it once on a Sunday morning and even though I was like 20 deep in line, I was in and out within 10 minutes. They have amazing sandwiches for lunch, fresh interesting bagel flavors, GREAT coffee and yummy spreads. Now I'm hungry...I think I'll go there for lunch!
(5)
Charlie T.
The best bagel sandwiches in town. Sausage, egg and cheese on everything.
(4)
Ron G.
The food here is simply awesome. Probably the best bagel spot in the DC area and the food doesn't disappoint. It can get a bit crowded at times but if you have the patience, you will be back again and again.
(4)
Jim B.
awesome bagels here. Maybe best I have ever had. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there is a huge line of extremely hungover people. Absolutely awesome egg sandwiches. Really miss this place...
(5)
Remy K.
The best bagels on the east coast. I was recently in New York city and went to one of the highest rated bagels stores, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery bagels were much better and much closer
(5)
Sonia R.
I got there every weekend the service is fast and there are many options for a yummy breakfast. They opened of Christmas and New Years day. I tried a few different bagels and my favorite is asiago. It is amazing! Their vanilla latte is very good too and better with a biscotti.
(5)
Lauren J.
Not NYC, but damn close. Kind of had the feel of a NYC bagel shop with 75% of the attitude. Seriously though, the bagels are great. The variety of bagel and cream cheese flavors are really good. The coffee set up area (cream, sugar, etc) was cramped and could have been more efficient. This is not NYC, but trying to get a packet of sugar in your coffee made it feel like midtown manhattan.
(4)
Hannah W.
This place has a long line in the morning, but fear not: the efficient staff behind the counter keep things moving pretty quickly. Also the bagels - crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside - are totally worth the wait.
(4)
John B.
Hmm. I hate this "neighborhood." But I guess this isn't the place for hate. So, well, the bagels are pretty good. And surprisingly, they're actually bagels (as opposed to overinflated mounds of insipid dough). Crunch and texture, which is more than I can say for most bagels in my old hometown (the bakery's namesake). I'm the kind of person who'd rather not hear about how epic your night was if I don't know you. If you're my kind of person, you probably won't want to dine on site. A surprising number of collegiate eye-rollers seem to feel that waves of Captain Morgan nausea are the perfect fodder for breakfast table conversation. Is this what the bagel has been reduced to? Sop up for your gross, loud hangover?
(4)
Koko O.
It's Sunday morning, you unstick your face from the cold bathroom tile floor and unwrap your arms from around the toilet. You feel gross, dirty, and used. You glance in the mirror and wipe away the horror movie mascara streaks running down your cheeks. You're ravenous--everything you consumed in the last 24H has been expelled in the commode. You want, no you NEED something hot and greasy, stat! Thank Jesus Herbert Christ that Brooklyn Bagel exists! Change out of your Walk O' Shame clothes and drag your ass to this promiseland of bagels and pizza and sandwiches. However, be warned: 1. Cash Only; why else do you think they have that archaic ATM right at the entrance? 2. Long lines; this is because these bagel sandwiches are ambrosia and word gets out. Also, the line gives you time to scan the menu so as to avoid . . . 3. NO BAGEL FOR YOU! These guys are bagel nazis. Seriously. They run a tight ship, plus it shouldn't take a grown ass adult more than 90 seconds to know what kind of bagel s/he wants. They yell. Loudly. It's scarey. BBB makes their bagels in house--if you can find a seat in the joint then check out the poor guy charged with sticking his hands in that hot bagel water then shoving those puppies in the Hansel & Gretel oven. It borders on sweatshoppery but his painful screams translate to tastey cinnamon raisin bagels.
(5)
Danielle M.
I'm from New Jersey where the bagels are excellent and these bagels are a close second. Although be aware that they only take cash.
(5)
Meghan B.
The bagels are absolutely delicious, and you can watch them make them while you eat. I had an egg and cheese on wheat with hot sauce and ketchup two days in a row because it was just that good. It's a small restaurant and always seems to be packed (especially on New Year's Day morning haha), but the line moves very quickly. The workers have a great system down. One thing I didn't like -- the first time I went I asked for lettuce and tomato on my bagel also, and somehow that led to an extra $1.50 charge. That seemed steep given that the egg and cheese is closer to $3.00 or $3.50 by itself. So, I would just order an actual sandwich bagel that already comes with some veggies on it if that's what you want to beat the extra charge.
(4)
Riley S.
Comme Ci, Comme Ça. Calling these New York bagels? Errr I don't think I can give them that title. No one can make NYC bagels except NYC itself, yes it's common knowledge but I figured reiterating it might make me feel better about spending money on a mediocre bagel and coffee. I went once, I might go back again but I don't have any intention on it. I ordered an asiago bagel with cream cheese, tomato, capers and onions - it was okay at best. There was the faintest trace of asiago in the bagel and definitely nothing to write home about. It was well organized military style ordering - the menu is above your head I suggest you be ready before they're ready for you! Tips: 1. It is cash ONLY - no credit cards are accepted. 2. It's a bagel joint, it's going to be cramped - take it home or post up on benches outside. There are plenty of places to eat in Courthouse, be creative. 3. The Bagel Nazis definitely live up to their name, just expect it and you won't be offended. 4. The coffee cups are weak - there is no barrier between your hand and the lava coffee you just poured.
(2)
Melissa F.
Five stars for NYC bagel authenticity. As a native New Yorker, this is where I go when I crave a bagel and cream cheese that doesn't need to be toasted to taste good. If you know neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll get an extra kick out of realizing that the names of the sandwiches are spot on (e.g., the Howard Beach for an Italian one with mozzarella, roasted peppers, etc.). As folks have mentioned, you should know what you want when you approach the counter. For some this may seem rude - to me it feels like home, and helps ensure that service is speedy. If you follow the rules, you'll actually find service to be friendly :) Ooh and try the fresh squeezed OJ - it's worth the price!
(5)
May T.
Seriously the best bagel I have ever had. Their everything bagel has toppings on the bottom of their bagel as well as the top. It's got airy pockets and it's perfectly chewy. Really no need to toast unless you're eating it a day or two old. I showed up 10 minutes before they opened and they didn't look the slightest bit annoyed. LOVE THEM.
(5)
Daniel B.
For the DC area this is the closest you are going to come to the NYC experience (I have lived there and this place feels right). From the cash bias to the focused on efficiency employees (really, how nice to they have to be? Just get me my bagel and do it right, that is all I ask, in particular in the morning). Their salt bagels are great (though they often sell out) and overall their bagels are just right..... Now this review only applies to the bagels or the bagel sandwiches, since that is all I ever get here.
(5)
Galen W.
I went to Brooklyn Bagel Saturday morning for a quick, late breakfast. Was quite happy with my bacon, egg and cheese everything bagel. My girlfriend was equally pleased with her ham and cheese plain bagel. My coffee was fine as well, although nothing special. Service was quick despite a bit of a line when we arrived. The indoor seating is a bit cramped, but fine for a quick meal, which is what your getting here. Very noise when they are running the bagel making machine, but I did enjoy watching the process, as you can see through glass and watch them make the bagels. I'll definitely be stopping buy again when I'm looking for a breakfast sandwich.
(4)
Amanda B.
Big, fresh bagels. Lots of variety - french toast bagel, anyone? And great sandwich options with simple, fresh ingredients. They actually fry up the eggs for breakfast sandwiches right then. Definitely feels like you are in New York (attitude and all). But totally worth it. Also, it's really cool to watch them actually making the bagels from the dining area. If you can get a seat.
(5)
Keri M.
I love the smoked whitefish salad here. The salad tastes fresh, in the same way that hummus is best when you first open the container from the store. And it makes for a very filling sandwich. But my bagel wasn't that fresh. This place is a madhouse on weekend mornings, but they move you through the line very quickly.
(3)
Bill G.
In Courthouse, you can't get a better breakfast sandwich. My recommendations, the french toast bagel and the jalapeno cheddar bagel, depending on your mood. Their lunch is also great, but i frequent for breakfast more often. as for the bagel nazi comments, i call BS. these guys are efficient. the can make a fresh breakfast sandwich from scratch with the speed and efficiency of a nascar pit tcrew. don't mess with their flow and know what you want when you order, and they will be polite and friendly.
(4)
Jonathan S.
This is a neighborhood staple for those in the Clarendon, Courthouse and Rosslyn areas (and I've heard of people coming from much further for their spectacular bagels). Like one of the earlier reviewers, I grew up in northern NJ and I'd consider myself a pretty accomplished authority on bagels. Compared to where I grew up, we live in the South (yeah I know, it's like the pretend South and it's full of carpetbaggers like me, but outside of chains like Bruegger's (which I don't care for) and Einstein Bros. (which is slightly better) you never find good bagels south of...I dunno...let's say Delaware. Certainly not south of the Mason-Dixon - and let's face it, we're in a state with a highway named after the president of the Confederacy). I don't know what it is about this place, but they hit the nail on the head. My dad always insisted that it's the local water that determines a good bagel (kind of like how the unique cocktail of yeasts in the air in San Francisco renders it the only air that can make their particular brand of sourdough). I don't know what it is, but it's working. They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and they use enough salt in the mix to make them taste right. They also slather on the cream cheese and provide generous helpings of lox (my usual). Don't hesitate to try the whitefish salad either, it's smoky and delicious. I took off one star because they have a tendency to mess up your order from time to time (and they can be a little pushy - see below references to the "soup-nazi" in earlier reviews). Also, I've noticed mold on the potato knishes they've had out on display in the past, and that's gross (but forgivable in my opinion, given the quality of their main product).
(4)
Mai K.
I am so glad that Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is close by. I miss a good bagel -- crusty on the outside, and mochi-mochi soft on the inside. There is nothing like a fresh bagel, though my waistline was happier without the unhealthy relationship with this carb.... Now that is over. I'm done. This wknd, I was seriously craving a bagel-and-lox with tomato, cucumber, and capers. And there it was, out of a dream, wrapped in wax paper and perfect. Friends were very happy with the blueberry bagel and shmears, too. Getting my carbohydrates on tomorrow before work, without apology.
(4)
Jeremy B.
Bacon. Egg. Cheese. Everything Bagel. Enough said, right? Well OK, I'll say a little more. This place is so jumpin that it can be a real turnoff. I'm here to tell you that you MUST wait through the lines, you've gotta let people behind you try and steal your bagel when they call it out, they're trying to steal it because they know everything here is so good it doesnt even matter if they get what they ordered, they just want it faster! An overcrowded place can be a killer for me, but this is one place I think you gotta fight through the crowded of still half drunk 20-somethings and get your fix. When it nicer I love sitting out on the sidewalk and just enjoying the morning.
(4)
Bryant W.
The best bagel in DC. I love the Everything Bagel with Lox. The only downside is they only take cash.
(4)
A A.
I'll keep this one simple, since there's not much to it. Definitely some of the best bagels in the area and there's a lot to choose in terms of bagel sandwiches. The prices seem reasonable and it's a good bang for your buck. I noticed they have a huge selection of juice choices in case you're a juice freak. It's annoying that it's cash only, but there's an ATM inside. Every time I've gone there has been a wait, as it is in the heart of Courthouse and that area is always busy. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you get there early enough. Not sure why anyone would go to any other bagel place with this in close proximity.
(4)
Matherine G.
Positive: Delicious bagel sandwiches. Probably the best we've had in the DC area. Located in a nice area in Arlington. Negative: The inside can be a bit cramped. We agree with several of the reviewers that this place is sort of a "don't chat, don't look, just order fast and get the hell out kind of process." Overall: Delicious bagels? Yes please! We enjoy coming here and will be back in the future.
(4)
Chuck W.
The rave reviews on Yelp compelled me to try this place out, and I suppose these guys now have a 'Soup Nazi'-like mystique to them. Frankly, at 9am on a Saturday morning, I wasn't really sure what all the hype was all about. I had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel that was supposed to be double-toasted, and wasn't. The price was decent, and it was just OK. I mean, how hard is it to mess up bacon, egg, and cheese? Anyways, I'd say it's a good alternative to Cosi and Corner Bakery in that section of Courthouse, but I'm not jonesing to go there every chance I get. I suppose I should mention it's cash-only, and get there early or else there's a huge line of hungover 20 and 30 somethings ready to get their bagel on.
(3)
Maggie H.
Best bagels ever! Get the warm chicken salad and provolone bagel on a multigrain. Get there early though--they sell out quick!
(5)
Anne B.
If I could rate the bagels alone, I'd give them 5 stars. You really get the true New York bagel experience when dealing with the guys behind the counter. Brusque for sure. Their pizza is okay, but I'm concerned about how long it sits on the counter neither heated nor refrigerated. Their tuna wraps are good, but nothing special. Decent prices. Smoothies are good, but expect to wait a bit to get one, unless you arrive at a particularly slow part of the day. The cash only deal is stupid. It makes the check out line take longer than it needs to.
(3)
Sarah B.
Definitely best bagel spot in the area. Sort of hilarious how surly the staff can be; almost like they are annoyed you are bothering them with your ordering of wonderful bagels. They pull it off though, because this place is the jam.
(4)
Maria Q.
I am from Brooklyn. These bagels are NOT!!! They have the consistency of cement and their crust is disgusting, unbrowned sesame bagels, yuck! I don't mean to be offense but seriously I am not sure how anyone could think these Bagels are good. Bethesda Bagel is much better or even Whole Foods.
(1)
Lauren R.
Brooklyn Bagel, where have you been all my life? Or at least the last two and a half years of it? I am stoked to finally find a place that serves my favorite food group, the insanely large NY bagel slathered with ridiculous amounts of cream cheese or stacked high with meaty goodness. Easily worth the drive to the other side of Arlington and even the fight to find parking... as far as I know, this is the only place of its type anywhere in the area. The BLT and tuna salad on everything were both awesome, but the toasted onion bagel with lox, capers, sliced red onions, and cream cheese was pure perfection - exactly what I yearn for. Yum. I'm afraid that this discovery is going to cause serious Saturday morning cravings from now on.
(5)
Allison G.
Authentic, delicious bagels in Arlington! Thank God, carb lovers unite. Tons of bagel flavors, lots of cream cheese choices, egg, meat, and cheese bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit sides, tons of drink choices, and fast, sassy service. Also got one of their salads to go and had it for lunch and it was fresh and flavorful as well. We go pretty much every weekend, along with every other 18-30 yr. old in Arlington. BRING CASH--that's my least favorite part. But at least it's affordable.
(4)
Scott G.
The bagels are excellent. I brought them into a meeting at work and people couldn't stop talking about them. There is one caveat, which is not an issue for me. If you've ever seen the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld, that will give you a good start. Come in, order your bagels, give them cash and leave. Don't expect to get chatty with the help, be humored if you have no idea what you want to order, or get a friendly smile if you want a dozen bagels, each prepared in a different way.
(5)
Michelle H.
The best bagels made locally. Not to soft or doughy, good selection of flavors.
(5)
bahareh t.
I am at this very moment eating my first bagel from Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and it is delicious!! I walked over this morning got a dozen bagels (the service was super quick and helpful!) and brought them home and had to have one immediately because they smelled so good. They have a nice selection of bagels, including chocolate chip which I'm very excited to try, and lots of bagel sandwiches that looked delicious on other people's plates. I will return often. You should go too!
(5)
Justin L.
I reserved judgment my first time here, and have since been back about three times to make sure it wasn't an off day, but I have to say the bagels themselves are just not anything special at all. I come in the morning, when the bagels should be at their freshest and they are often misshaped, mushy and not particularly fresh. Their bagel breakfast sandwiches are bog standard, nothing to complain about and nothing to praise either. The service is quick and efficient (in true NY style), and they do have a great selection of extras like fruit and muffins. The prices are also significantly lower than their competitors in the area, but this is cancelled out by the fact that they are CASH ONLY which is pretty ridiculous and inconvenient.
(3)
Melinda S.
The first 2 times I went to Brooklyn Bagel for "NY Bagels" I thought this place was great - perfect NY bagels But today I was very disappointed ... bagels were way too doughy And very few poppy seeds Plus the line was long - and when I inquired whether I needed to stand in the line for prepared food - I was told yes - and others were getting in front of me to buy their bagels. They were rude and not friendly ... It was also almost $10 for 6 bagels and a small creamcheeze - a bit pricey! I'm not sure I will every go back ... especially since the bagels were not up to par ... Anyone know of any great NY bagels joints - other than The Bagel up in Tysons?
(3)
Laura H.
Okay, this isn't H&H, but these are really tasty bagels for Arlington, VA. I particularly like the cinnamon raisin and the salt varieties, but there are a ton of flavor options as long as you get here before noon. Bagels are less dense than the typical chain restaurant variety, i.e. "new york style." One thing I especially like about the store is the bagel and spread only express line... it really cuts down the wait time and since I've come here right after a long run... it also keeps me from getting too cranky. All of the egg sandwiches look delish, so I will be trying one soon... A small patio seating area adds to the charm.
(4)
Joye P.
Last weekend I was there before noon and got an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese. It was very good. My only complaint is that the bagels are large and doughey. So you New Yorkers, who prefer the smaller, lighter bagel may be disappointed. However, the goods are fresh and are prepared quickly. The bread was of good flavor. It's a popular place, and one of the better places in the Courthouse area to get a fresh bagel. I recommend.
(4)
J W.
Great bagels and even better if you get that bagel sandwich with egg.cheese.meat. Be prepared to know what you want. You feel like you walked in to the Seinfeld episode with the soupnazi. Tip- if you drive, take a friend and park right out front while they man the car. Or take extra time to park and on Saturdays you can also visit the farmer's market across the street.
(5)
Taylor G.
My favorite bagel place in my 'hood. I should really try to go more often. Anyhow, great bagels and good coffee. They're pretty quick. The one annoying thing is that they're cash only.
(4)
Tsvetomir H.
Bay ridge bagel sandwich is the bomb. They bake all their bagels on the premises which are over 9 kinds. The only inconvenience is that they accept CASH ONLY. So if you have plans to get a breakfast sandwich and coffee there grab a few dollars on your way there.
(4)
Ross M.
quick tastey bagel, i'll be going back.
(4)
Rachael D.
You know, I heard this place was good, so I went to check it out, but I just really wasn't that impressed. I got an iced soy latte and a bagel with tuna salad on it. Enjoyed the latte, but the bagelwich tasted weird. I threw away half of it uneaten. I later ended up getting pretty sick. Now admittedly, I don't have the strongest of stomachs, but this seemed a bit too coincidental. I'll probably go back for the coffee and the bagels with cream cheese in the future, but I'll avoid their 'home-made' salads in the future.
(2)
Cameron T.
The bagels were pretty good, but anyone who thinks they are totally authentic NY bagels has never lived there. Something about the consistency was not quite right, but they were still yummy! I really liked the Everything bagel. Great flavor, without going crazy on the garlic or onion. The blueberry bagels were just okay. Not a whole lot of blueberry flavor, kind of bland. Hated the strawberry cream cheese. The bright pink coloring caught me off guard and had a slight artificial taste to it. Lined moved very fast and I guess i got lucky because the guy who took my order was super nice! Overall, it's not perfect but good enough to be a regular spot for a bagel craving.
(3)
Paul W.
I live right behind this place so I come here often. This is a dependable place to get fresh bagels made from scratch, but I personally think the prices are WAY too expensive. I actually give them 3.5 stars, because they're food is fresh, reliable, and good. However, nothing really stands out as incredible.
(3)
AgentxAngel X.
Meh. The bagels left me very underwhelmed.
(3)
Alena C.
Delicious, authentic bagels with yummy cream cheese and awesome sandwiches. My boyfriend and I are obsessed with this place - we come here pretty much every weekend, along with all the other yuppie Arlington couples. Don't let the lines deter you, they do move very quickly (other Yelpers who likened this to the Soup Nazi are right on). We never have a problem finding seating, and we particularly like sitting by the window where we can view rows upon rows of bagels on conveyor belts -- it's strangely hypnotic. My favorite bagel sandwich here is the one with hummus and sprouts. It leaves me stuffed and ready to hit the nearby flea market. My only complaint is not taking plastic -- isn't it time to enter the 21st century? I hate paying the ATM fees!
(5)
Hannah B.
The best place for NYC bagels! I haven't ventured past the basic egg and sausage on a bagel but they have tons of options. They get a line but they know how to keep it moving...Just remember to bring CASH!
(4)
Michael B.
Maybe it was the high expectations. Or maybe it was the mediocre bagel. Nevertheless, I ate a tuna melt. And left rather unsatisfied. I think the bagel was too doughy. I think that is it. Since its SO CLOSE to my apt., I am EXTREMELY disappointed.
(2)
Vicki M.
The bagels here are excellent, as are the toppings. My particular favorite sandwich is the lox and cream cheese, with red onions, tomatoes, and capers on an "everything" bagel. The breakfast sandwiches are also tasty and fresh, and use real eggs. The only downside is the pretentious yuppie crowd, 90% of which work in the "consulting" industry . Also, the coffee is only so-so (and they are always out of milk/half and half), but the food more than makes up for it.
(5)
S S.
First, the food: Meh-. It's just not that good, nor is it memorable. Well, I guess I will remember the awful fruit cup that had 2 grapes, one piece of pineapple and a whole bunch of flavorless honeydew melon. Second, the service: Somewhere between surly and standoffish. Third, the payment method: Cash only is pretty lame, especially when there's no sign posted saying that it's cash only. But hey, they do provide an ATM right by the register so you can, you know, pay an extra $1.50 for your food because you assumed they'd be technologically up to date for 1995. Fourth, the drinks: $0.50 for soda refills? That's tackier than...well....something that's really tacky. It's actually hard for me to think of something tackier that a fast food restaurant could do.
(1)
Lucas K.
I just don't understand the draw of this place. It's always packed and I can't figure out why. The staff is always extremely rude (think: Soup Nazi-like). Don't even dare trying to engage any of the people behind the counter in conversation. They never have what I want to order and post things on their menu just to tell you that they don't offer them on weekends!? Very little seating in or out. Seems like many people on the weekends just go sit at California Tortilla's tables. I will give them credit for making their bagels on-site, but I find them small and again, lacking in selection. CASH ONLY: C'mon get with the times.
(2)
Amanda C.
Soft and doughy, just the way I like them! A very reasonably-priced place to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and fresh-squeezed OJ. We love going here on Saturday mornings and then walking over to the Courthouse Farmers Market.
(5)
Travis P.
Best Bagels in DC area!
(5)
Brian J.
love the bagels. hate the bagel nazis. i don't mind the crowds. the bagels are delicious, so it's worth the wait...right? maybe not. i get it. you have to keep the line moving, especially during peak hours. but all the yelling, screaming, glaring, talking trash, and just general shit attitudes all the employees have are really unnecessary... there are a million better ways to keep the line moving than their bagel nazi style. and don't tell me you buy into their "brooklyn" attitude nonsense - they're not that smart, and they're definitely not new yorkers. these guys and their attitudes have more in common with the dump i took this morning than they do a proper brooklyn bagel joint. i'd rather go somewhere with bagels slightly less good than deal with these dickbags anymore. the entire experience takes away from the seemingly simple task of just enjoying your bagel.
(1)
Colin L.
Ok, I got lucky on parking and pulled right up to the place. It's not easy to spot the first time you drive by. I'm from Texas, but the NY coffee shop there makes the bagels that I love the most. My dad is from Brooklyn and he goes there everyday. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes bagels in the same style, which I believe is the best tasting. This place takes NY bagels and gives them new lives. Bagels become sandwiches, and tuna melts become delicacies. Never have I ever had a better Tuna Gouda melt. I also had the Coney Island, which was awesome. The chicken was big and juicy, and the peppers and onions were many and spicy. Recommend this to your friends who aren't bagel lovers. But why would you go there if you don't love bagels? Well, it's a good restaurant anyways. Back to the basics, they do Bagels justice. I'm going to show up to work on my first day with a bag full of bagels.
(5)
Ryan S.
When I'm walking by there in the morning on an empty stomach, I can't help but be drawn to it. Freakin' great breakfast bagel sandwiches. My staple is the bacon-egg-cheese on everything bagel. Coffee isn't great, but good enough. Tip: Often their coffee is too hot, but adding just 2-4 ice cubes from the soda fountain will make it cool enough to drink (but still quite hot). There are several reasons I can think of to dock it a star. Staff is typically gruff. I've seen exceptions (yesterday the cashier was unprecedentedly friendly to an old woman who was taking forever to find her wallet in her purse). Much of the gruffness is due in large part to keep the line moving (nearly always a line, which moves quickly, during peak hours). One more tip: If you want the full selection of bagels, don't come late. They WILL run out of lots of bagels.
(5)
Matt D.
They have the best bagels I have ever tasted, hands down. They bake their bagels fresh every day, so its pratically impossible to get a stale bagel from this place. All of their bagels are jumbo size, no mini bagels here. There are non-stop long lines on the weekends. It doesn't really matter if you show up at 10 in the morning or 1 in the afternoon. Don't be discouraged about the long lines, they move quickly. The guys that run the place are all business. I was a little annoyed that they don't take credit cards, but its a minor issue.
(4)
Rachel E.
**CASH ONLY** There is an ATM in the bakery. My egg and cheese on sesame bagel was very good, nicely toasted with some veggies on it. I'm picky with chai, but Brooklyn's vanilla chai was rich and yummy. There's also a chocolate chai that I want to try next time. Parking can be tricky, but there is a small lot in the back. I was there on Sunday and didn't have problems finding a spot, but it was very busy.
(4)
Meaghin K.
I go here about once a month for a weekend bagel: one of their delicious cream cheeses on blueberry or chocolate chip. My favorite bagel though is by far the chicken salad on multigrain or whole wheat. Add a side of chips and a Nantucket Nectar and that's just about a perfect lunch. They are cash only and you need to have your order ready ahead of time--they like to move you through!!
(4)
David D.
Completely GREASY bagel egg sandwich. DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!! The quality is a near equivalent to McDonalds egg bagel... if you want the grease, save the money and go to McD.
(1)
Justin E.
This place is great for breakfast or lunch. They only accept case though.
(4)
Dian C.
I went early one morning to pick up a bunch of bagels to bring into work. I knew they were good when a coworker commented, "Now those are the real deal." I went at 7am so there was no line. The bagels are probably slightly more expensive than elsewhere, but in my opinion totally worth it.
(4)
Jon B.
Went for the first time last week after reading the reviews. Interestingly I used to live between Rosslyn and Courthouse, but never stopped in to get the food. I had a bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and tomato. The service was pretty good (it was empty at the time..11 am on a Wednesday), and the sandwich was good.) I should note that it did not seem as greasy as a lot of breakfast sandwiches tend to be. I also had an iced coffee which I thought had good flavor. The bagel itself seemed to be a very good flavor and taste. Was very plump and properly cooked as it is supposed to be. I plan on coming back to get some more bagels to go (I am a pumpernickel fan to the max and also want to try their "everything") as well as making it a normal stop when people are in from out of town that love good eats. I think it is locally owned and operated and not a chain which to me makes it even better to support it. Local places that serve bad food can go away and die, but how can't you love the little guy who makes big taste?
(4)
Valerie K.
Love Brooklyn Bagel.. go here for my monthly bagel craving. Cream cheese/lox bagel is awesome.
(4)
Lyndsey T.
As a Jersey native (No, I don't know Snooki or The Situation...) I'm a self-proclaimed bagel snob. So much so that I usually don't even bother eating bagels down here and my only other bagel review on Yelp is my favorite bagel place in NJ. That being said, I have officially given the seal of approval to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. It's obviously not on the same level as NJ/NY bagels, but I thoroughly enjoyed my toasted everything with cream cheese, lox and capers. The bagel itself was just chewy enough and the toppings were generous but not over the top. Can't wait to try an egg & cheese sandwich, though I'm guessing they probably don't have taylor ham. Oh well - I go home every few months for a reason! Service was no-nonsense but I was in and out in under five minutes at noon on a Saturday. Well done, BBB!
(4)
Jen K.
Authentic, delicious, and not super over-priced. I am obsessed with their strawberry cream cheese and every flavor of bagel I've tried. These were a win at the office, too.
(5)
Zac H.
Homemade fresh bagels, great lox and whitefish salad. I try and get here every weekend if possible!
(4)
Jon K.
They make the bagels in front of you. How old am I? They also have a french toast bagel. Enough said. Great spot for a Saturday morning visit but don't plan on sitting down as it's small inside.
(4)
Adam F.
Best Bagels in the DC area!!!!!!
(5)
Joan G.
Hailing from the south I can't claim to know good bagels, but I would be very surprised if these were not! I love the chewy texture under the crunchy surface. The cream cheese is so much better than store bought and the price is excellent. The staff is polite. If you think they are rude you are taking too long. Part of Brooklyn bagel's positives is that you get in and get out very quickly with exactly what you wanted. If you are irritated about the cash only thing, get over it. Credit cats agreements are expensive for small places. There is a bank across the street and an ATM in the store. Just bring cash. Lastly, in my opinion, the crowning glory. The whitefish salad. I've spent the last 3 years of my life tracking down good whitefish salad since my first exposure to it. This is the best I've had in the area. Not too moist, perfectly salty, and lots if it!!
(5)
Wendy W.
My family and I have come at least 1-2 times a year and it has yet to disappoint. The BAGELS are AMAZING. I personal feel there's just enough chewiness, although it may be more chewy than a New York bagel. The price point is very reasonable, especially for their breakfast bagel sandwich. Yesterday I got a spinach bagel with egg, cheese and salami. Honestly I could have had two more with the bagels being that fresh. My preschoolers love the bagels and my in-laws who are French love it too, which says alot. My goal is to try different offerings to get a better sense of the overall quality, but at the same time why as bagels are the no-brainer choice I really enjoy watching the bagels being made through the windowed production facility. Staff has been always friendly and efficient, although this time, not sure if there were some new associates in the mix, but my gentleman literally had to ask me four times what breakfast bagel sandwich (and I only gave two orders). Then I wonder, maybe I didn't speak clearly enough, so as C.P.S. stated,"Pick out what you want, speak [VERY] clearly [and not too fast]..." They are opening another location in Rosslyn. I don't know when.
(5)
Kelly S.
Through five years of dc area breakfast evaluations, I now rule that BBB has the best bagels in the area. Why do I have to go to Courthouse to get the best bagel? This is wrong. Kinda stinks that they're cash only, but not worth jacking one of their stars. Bagel rankings: 1)BBB, 2)So's Your Mom, 3)Bagels & Baguettes, #57,682)Bagels Etc RIGHT NEXT TO MY APARTMENT sigh-
(5)
Jim Z.
It's been a few years since I came back this morning and either the food quality has gone down or my taste buds are more refined. The everything bagel lacks any flavor and a crisp crunch that a good bagel has when you bite into it. I'm fairly certain the fresh squeezed OJ is really just tropicana in a cup. I'd suggest going elsewhere for a breakfast but I'm not sure where else to go. Don't expect a lot coming here though
(2)
nathan g.
i've just read the last 47 reviews, and it seems nobody's looking at anyone else's write-up. so, do i understand that credit cards are welcomed here? is that right?
(3)
Arlene T.
Absolutely the BEST bagels in NOVA!!! Great selection, and very efficient staff.
(5)
Sarah K.
Kenny D and I stopped here early on a Saturday morning before a volunteering gig. I had never been here before but I figured, how can you mess up a bagel? Well, I think i will go to Dunkin Donuts next time b/c I was not impressed. The staff were unfriendly, the coffee was gross and the bagels were hard with a stingy amount of cream cheese. The bill was over $11 for the two of us and we both had only bagels and coffee. There have to be places in the area that do bagels better than this...
(2)
C.P. S.
Best Breakfast Bagel in this city. Egg, Cheese, onion or meat... its fantastic and is about the only thing that will cure a night out in Adams Morgan. Wash it down with a Vitamin Water or a coffee. The staff will remind you of Seinfeld's soup Nazi. Pick out what you want, speak clearly and direct and slide to the right. Other than that, the place is cool. And who could blame the staff when you have a steady line past noon of hungover coeds who doesn't make decisions like plain or sesame. Bring cash cause they don't take CC and the ATM inside has ridiculous fee considering you only want $5 for breakfast. The sandwiches are hit or miss in the afternoon, but the main attraction is of course bagel sandwiches. Enjoy!
(5)
Ross R.
Brooklyn Bagel is a regular Saturday morning stop for us. A simple bagel joint. They have indoor seating for perhaps 20 and outdoor seating for maybe 10. They do the basics of bagels really well. These are the best bagels in DC, better than Bagel City in Rockville or the bagel place on M St.
(4)
Mary S.
Excellent bagels! The maple walnut cream cheese is required (for me), sooo good. Don't get the fruit containers, not very good quality.
(5)
Genny P.
Been going here for years. Some of the best bagels in the area. Authentic bagels - boiled and chewy - not just baked bread in the shape of a circle. Yes, the place is high volume and the staff is no nonsense - but they are quite friendly and courteous. The food is great. Today was the humus bagel that was delicious. Even when there is a line (and there is always a line - very popular place), you can get in and out in a decent time. The coffee is quality. A true NY experience. Go here every chance we can.
(5)
M M.
I haven't been for breakfast, which seems to be the main draw here, but the lunch here features some classic sandwiches. The hot sandwiches are pretty good- I generally get the pastrami or turkey reuben, which is sloppy and on bread that is a wee bit too small, but good. I have to take off major points for their lunch time catering though, the cold sandwiches are invariably soggy breaded blandness. They feature Lavazza coffee and you can buy a good sized bag o' beans, although it's hard to tell how fresh it is. It is a cash only place- they have an ATM, but it is a fee laden affair and not always workin.
(3)
Ben C.
Best bagels in DC/NOVA. Super cheap meal. Excellent quality. Busy as all hell. Cash only but there is an ATM on premise. Sandwiches other than bagels are great too. Always have fresh fruit, wide selection of beverages, and tasty coffee. The guys behind the counter work quickly but don't take this the wrong way. If it is quiet when you are there they are super friendly. I could eat 3 meals a day here.
(5)
Mariel W.
I have been to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a number of times. I love the bagels, despite feeling like I'm in the soup-Nazi episode of Seinfeld when I'm ordering/paying for my food (cash only). But I think that air of rudeness is a cute, authentic NY part of coming here. My last time, was when I was sitting in the back of the building, next to the window where you can watch them make bagels (very cool!)...one of the workers was sweeping up and emptied the dust pan rather haphazardly into the trash can sitting DIRECTLY beneath the bagel conveyor belt. I could see the dust/dirt land on the belt (as it was going) and into the dough bagels. Not two minutes later, another worker emptied a dust pan of liquid of some sort in the same messy manner, also getting it onto the belt. Eww gross. I'll admit though, I did finish my bagel (it was good!), figuring that any bad germs probably get fried when the bagels are cooked. I was rather loud when I said, "Eww, he's throwing the dirt out and it's getting onto the bagels." I'm pretty sure the worker heard. Hopefully they've moved the trash can since.
(2)
Emily H.
I LOVE BAGELS! And I especially love bagels when they are made properly--that is, boiled and then baked. Brooklyn Bagel definitely has the real thing. They get 5 stars even though they are not as good as real NY bagels in the real city--but hey, they aren't real NY bagels and we aren't in the real city. These are the most real bagels that you can get in the DC area--Dorothy you are not in NYC anymore, you have crossed below the Mason-Dixon. Saturday and Sunday mornings can be a total cluster-f@*$ at this joint but then again, what would you expect? It is all part of that particular bagel deli ambiance. The tough choice is between a toasted everything with bacon, egg, and cheese (oh my pork fat obsession) and the toasted everything with sliced lox, cream cheese, onions, and tomato (I might sprout a caper tree if I eat capers). Mmmm...I am starting to drool just thinking about it. I have finally instituted a rule that a trip to Brooklyn Bagels may only be made on weekends and then only one weekend day lest the bagels end up like a giant inner tube around my ass. NOTE: CASH ONLY. It can be hard to remember hungover on a Sunday morning.
(5)
Diana K.
I graduated from UVA last May and moved back to this area from Charlottesville immediately afterwards. There's a lot of good things about living here in our nation's capital, but that little college town seemed to have more than its fair share of good things. Fortunately, when I moved to Courthouse two months ago, the Brooklyn Bagel Bakery filled one of the voids that leaving Charlottesville left in my heart. Anyone who went to UVA, who ever visited a friend at UVA or who even drove through Cville should be able to tell you about the bagels from Bodo's. This place is my new Bodo's. Stumbling under the yellow awning, hungover and bleary-eyed, the vicious line is never a welcome sight. Fortunately, the line here always moves pretty quick, but being indecisive is a fault of mine and they have a plethora of options. Lucky for me, it turns out it's hard to go wrong here. The bagels themselves are delicious, with the perfect chewiness and a variety of flavors. Their specialty sandwiches are great and the fresh squeezed OJ hits the spot. They even carry my favorite Honey Mustard Dirty's Potato Chips! Use their ATM while waiting in line if you don't have cash, because that's all they accept here... Bodo's finally starting taking credit cards a couple years ago though, so let's keep our fingers crossed.
(4)
geeyore g.
Just back from a 7:15AM Sunday morning run to Brooklyn Bagel. It is the best place around DC. I lived in Boston 10+ years and frequented a few great Jewish bagel bakeries in Brookline, Newton Center, Natick, and elsewhere. Not chain store "McBagels" joints (e.g., Chesapeake and even worse Einstein) but Ma and Pa bagel bakeries that offered bagels, maybe bialys, cream cheese, maybe lox, and that's it. Brooklyn Bagel does have a "sandwich" bar and it allegedly is packed but I wouldn't know because in four years I've NEVER used it. not once. And I never will. Nope, I go to Brooklyn Bagel for one thing and that is bagels. That's it. They have the standard variety that you'd find in any decent bagel bakery - onion, poppy seed, sesame, egg - and these are very good bagels - not quite New York or even Boston but they are nonetheless very good and from what I've seen the best in Northern VA or DC or Maryland (including along Rockville Pike). They also have the standard (but again very decent) selection of cream cheeses including scallion, vegetable, garlic, and lox spread. I usually get a 1/4 or 1/2 pound order of lox as well. For those who want bagels and bagels only (plus cream cheese ) there is a speedy "bagels only" line and cash register right inside the front door and next to the fridge. So grab some cash from the ATM lined up on the wall, order your 1/2 or 1 dozen bagels, grab a container of cream cheese, and you are good to go. If you want a sandwich, go to Quiznos. This is a pretty decent bagel joint.
(5)
J S.
My wife and I watched while the manager (owner?) who works the front picked two Everything bagels off the filthy floor from under a piece of equipment and threw them into the bin to be taken up front for sale to an unsuspecting customer...disgusting! Maybe he figures no one will notice a few extra mouse droppings on an Everything bagel? I realize you take a chance by eating out, having had friends work in commerical kitchens I've heard the stories, I'm not usually that picky either, as I enjoy camping and don't mind eating a few bugs at times, but this experience was a real turn-off for what could be a great place to eat. I didn't realize the margin was so thin on bagels as to tempt someone in charge to do this stupid and irresponsible thing. Until we witnessed this event, we enjoyed going there for great tasting bagels. We did wonder about sanitary conditions because they store bins of bagels underfoot, beneath the machine that forms the dough into rings. I'm sure raw residue from uncooked dough comes off the that belt running above the bins. We watched while a worker transferred bagels out of the storage bin to a smaller bin to take up front for sale (bare hands that handle raw dough, no gloves). In the process he inadvertedly knocked two bagels out of the back of the bin onto the floor underneath the equipment. There was all manner of grit and grime as to be expected on the floor of a commercial kitchen. This is also an old building with paint flaking off the floors, back underneath the machines where it obviously is not cleaned daily. What was surprising was it was the man who is obviously in charge of the shop, not the employee who did this stupid thing. We then watched as the manager bused tables and picked trash off the floors, used napkins, etc. before going back behind the counter to resume serving food without washing his hands. What a shame, an otherwise great place to get bagels. Just bring your cast iron constitution, you may need it.
(1)
Lara R.
I love these bagels!! For the past year, I've heard my roommates talk and talk about this fabulous bagel spot and how wonderful it is, but I figured whatever... a bagel's a bagel (I know, the New Yorkers out there are now cringing - apologies). But then I checked out Brooklyn Bagel. Love it! Saturday mornings do feel a tad bit like an assembly line. There are masses of people and it begins to feel like the Seinfeld Soup Nazi, but the bagel version. However, I do love the bagels. Love the cinnamon raisin and the chocolate chip. Strawberry was disappointing (ummm did it just have food coloring? I didn't taste any strawberries). Lattes are fabulous. Two thumbs up for this quick and easy bagel/breakfast spot.
(4)
Elaine M.
There are two barometers I could use to measure the quality of the bagels at Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse: (1) against deli style bagels, the kind that are not too chewy and must be eaten with plain cream cheese and lox, onion & chive cream cheese, or plain cream cheese with cucumbers and tomatoes (2) against today's garden variety bagel, which is as soft as some bread and especially chewy. Brooklyn Bagels does not measure up to the former. In fact, no bagel I've had has measured up to this ideal since my Sunday School days when we used to get bagels for my temple's "Koffee Korner" from nearby Samuel's Deli on Broadway in Chicago. Nonetheless, the bagels are passable and at least surpass those rolls with holes that they sell at Panera. Brooklyn Bagels lathers on the cream cheese, which makes up for the unexciting flavor of their onion & chive variety. The line moves very quick, and the coffee is not bad. Like Einstein's it's a bottomless cup and available in a few different blends.
(3)
Elizabeth E.
Oh my goodness, I love their bagels. I love them love them love them. What I don't love is the line, and the stress of ordering, especially on a Saturday when we're starving and want to grab something quick before going to the farmers' market. Somehow we still consistently brave it, though, in order to start our weekends right. Get the bacon egg and cheese, and ask for it double toasted. Or a salt bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. It'll cure what ails you.
(4)
Meg B.
Close to my office and super fast. Good bagels. Great cream cheese. Need a website with deli listings, because they offer a lot more than just bagels. Lots of sandwiches, salads, soup and deli stuff. And although I don't touch the stuff, you CAN get whitefish salad here.
(4)
Jimmo X.
Best place to find fresh bagels in the area. The breakfast sandwiches are very tasty. The service is rushed, like the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. You better know what you want to order when you approach the front counter, or else!
(4)
Jeremy R.
Good place. Much better bagels than that crap that pretends to be one at Panera. They are just the right amount of chewy it seems. The bangel sandwiches are pretty solid as well.
(4)
Carolyn B.
I come here most Saturdays because it is so quick and delicious. I recommend the whole wheat everything bagel with light veggie cream cheese, ham egg and cheese, bayridge, or park slope. My boyfriend says the only 2 reasons he would come to Arlington are to see me or go here.
(5)
PC W.
Alliteration AND a tongue twister? Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is a linguistic gem and has excellent bagels to boot. The bagels are large and crusty. It's my place of choice for lox and cream cheese on a toasted plain bagel. Scrumptious!
(4)
Andrea N.
I love these guys. If you come during the week they are definitely chatty...Dean and Mo have known my husband and I since our early dating days; we now have a 1-year old. They are really nice people and you've gotta appreciate the family-owned business. They only take cash, and know what you want to order. They get a lot of traffic on the weekends from the hangover crowd, so it's best if you can help them out by getting in and out asap. Best bagels on the planet and they do remember their regulars. My husband can go in and order the "Andie Sandwich" for me and they all know what this is. (toasted whole wheat with turkey, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, cucumber, swiss, tons of dijon mustard with mustard on the side).
(5)
Jon J.
I saw the yellow sign and a drawing of a bagel and immediately thought it was an Einstein. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be an independent shop! I've been here before work and they're always busy - but their bagels and bagel sandwiches are excellent. The bagels are actual bagels - not the "round bread with a hole in it" that passes at some places. I wish that there was a bagel shop like this near my office back home!
(5)
Jeremy A.
Great breakfast spot- a sausage egg and cheese sandwich on the sidewalk in the morning is great stuff.
(4)
John M.
Best bagels I've found in the area and lots of options to choose from! Pay attention even though the line is long they move through it fast and its always a bit uncertain as to who's next in the line, which can sometimes be hard the morning after a night out. Cash only.
(4)
Matt C.
Just moved to Court House....and only been here once. It was raining pretty hard, so maybe that detracted from the crowds, but within one minute of walking in the door my order was taken....sandwich was ready in 3 minutes. I got the bacon/egg/cheese bagel and it was money. No fake-ass microwaved eggs, it's the real thing. Bacon was yummers, and the bagel itself was good. Coffee was nothing to write home about, but it's pretty good. I will be back fo' sho.
(4)
Jennifer S.
For years, three girlfriends and I would meet here every Saturday AND Sunday for egg & cheese bagels sandwiches, fresh OJ and a hot chai tea latte with The Post to go. The girlfriends have all gotten married and moved away since, but I still eat here. My favorite was, and still is, scrambled egg and Gouda on a toasted garlic bagel with Tabasco on the side. Tables inside or out are at a premium and the lines are ALWAYS long, but cookies come out of the oven on a regular basis and are displayed in such a way so that while you wait in line you cannot avoid smelling them. It makes the wait slightly more pleasant. The bagels are great (especially if you come earlier in the morning while they are still hot). The owner (the nicest man in the place --- you'll know him immediately) claims that his bagels are the only ones in the area to truly be New York style (meaning: boiled and then baked on stone). Whatever they are doing, I like it. Lunch is another reason to stop by. They have a pretty good selection of wrap, regular bread and bagel sandwiches. Alas, I can only give them 4 stars though because in the last couple years they have SIGNIFICANTLY reduced the amount of egg they put in the sandwiches and it just isn't the same. The place makes a MINT, so they can certainly afford to return to the old ways.
(4)
Sara B.
nom noms! delicious squishy bagels. sooo many choices...i got the lox bagel sandwich which is my fav. props for keeping it tradtional with red onion, tomato, and capers only. i hate when places put lettuce on it. got the fresh orange juice and really tasty coffee! just a littleeee expensive - but not anymore then starbucks i suppose.
(4)
Jalyn H.
Amen Brothers and Sisters! Might be the best breakfast place in the Courthouse Area. Agree with Jennifer, the egg and cheese is really good. Especially on a sun-dried tomato bagel. The coffee is always hot and delicious, and it's really great to sit in the back and watch the bagels being made. The only reason B cubed doesn't get the five star review is because of the humongous line you will almost always encounter on weekends. CASH ONLY! There is a B of A ATM nearby.
(4)
Erin S.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Bacon, egg & cheese on everything bagel is perfect to chow down with coffee while reading the Sunday paper, recovering from one too many glasses of wine on Saturday night. Weekend mornings have crazy long lines but don't freak - the wait is never more than a few minutes, those guys really keep it moving
(4)
Nicole L.
I'm from NJ, but I'm not a bagel snob, and I think these bagels are awesome. Everything's reasonably priced, super-filling and the monster weekend line always moves quickly. The staff can be a little brusque when it's busy, but I've been in there when it's dead and they couldn't be nicer.
(5)
Dave S.
very tasty bagels.
(4)
Suzanne M.
If you are looking for a New york style bagel, this is the place for your to go. Very good locks! The drinks are very good as well. Good shakes. Quick service and very good customer service.
(5)
Jen C.
OMG can't believe I have lived in the Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn corridor for over 4 years and am only now trying this place. Woke up this morning with a serious craving for a bagel and lox with all the fixings -- cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, red onions. Decided I would pick some up on my way back from a New Years Day run and the place was insanely busy!! The line went really quickly though (as I was hoping it would as I was standing in my lulu gear with sweat pouring down my face and my running jacket completely drenched) and the staff behind the counter was working so hard and fast! I respect that so much. After not hardly any time waiting for my order (it was so quick I couldn't even catch up on TMZ while waiting!), I jetted out the door and ran home with bagels in hand, as I was hungry and starting to get cold. WOW!! The NY lox with cream cheese was everything I wanted it to be and more!! It was perfect and only $6! It sooo hit the spot and so satisfied my craving, I was shocked at how good it was. Will definitely be hitting this place up a lot more from now on!
(4)
M P.
Good bagels and bagel sandwiches, long lines on the weekends. I have never actually been here during the week, but I assume its not nearly as busy. Lots of bagel choices (if you get there early enough, they actually run out of most of the interesting ones by the time any reasonably hungover person can get out of bed to get a deliciously greasy egg and sausage bagel). The smoothies are not good. They are just that mix and a lot of sugar, no real fruit at all. I recommend not getting a smoothie and saving your money. As they have a lot of orders they tend to screw them up a lot. They will remake your bagel for you even faster the second time and usually get it right that time. But they are notorious for getting it wrong. In fact, I think I make them remake my bagel about 50% of the time. BRING CASH!
(3)
Cameron H.
Bacon egg and cheese is sub par. Place is always crowded on Saturday and Sundays. Line moves quickly though. Prices are fair and food is average. Good for quick fix when ur just hungry and don't really care about the taste. Fast and convenient, just not the best food.
(3)
Eric S.
I don't have much to add to what everyone else already told you, but all I have to say is if your hesitation is about the line, don't be intimidated. I have never gone here when the line was not to the door, but I always get out in under 10 min. They know how to get people in and out. The only drawback is cash only, which is what robs them of the fifth star in my review. However, it is pretty cheap. This place delivers the goods.
(4)
Morgan W.
My brother is somewhat of a regular here, so we join him when visiting Arlington. First rate bagel shop: bagels meet the test of being a threat to dental work, the toppings are good, and the coffee is strong. Recommended.
(4)
Kadian F.
Good bagels.
(4)
Glaciala A.
These are by far, the best bagels in the DC area. However, the sandwiches are a little pricey.
(5)
Steve L.
This is my favorite bagel place in Arlington. I like the non-nonsense staff that quickly moves people along with their orders. The bagels are toasted properly and the coffee is an easy winner over Starbucks.
(4)
Stephanie D.
BBB has the best bagels in the DC area. I'm from NY and was super sad about the sad state of affairs w/r/t bagels in this city--until I found this place. Not only do the bagels have right bagel-to-hole ratio, but they are the right consistent every time. Also, they have lox! and they even call it lox! They also make a great mocha and cappuccino for a non-coffee place. Re the comments about the staff: I agree that the people who work there are not exactly friendly, but they are super efficient and their attitude just adds to the authentic NY feel.
(5)
Alison S.
best.bagels.ever. nuff said. go for the raisin and walnut cream cheese-- it is amazing!
(5)
Eric S.
It ain't NYC, but it's good. I grew up in New York. Unlike most expat New Yorkers, I don't miss "The City," except for the food. I've been eating bagels since I've had teeth, so I know something about them. It's true that these are not as good an the best NY bagels. However, it's also true that these are the best bagels I've found in this area. They are definitely better than frozen, Chesapeake or supermarket bagels.
(4)
Allison G.
Great breakfast sandwiches!!! Def worth waiting in line for and dealing with the bagel nazis that work there.
(4)
Mike b.
Brooklyn has the best bagels in Arlington. I used to go to Brueggers and Manhattan because they were closer, but their bagels are like the kind you get in the supermarket. Brooklyn's bagels are closer to New York or New Jersey bagels, although they vary in quality pretty much every time you go. Its best to scope out the bins and see which kinds look the freshest and highest quality. There is a giant line, but it's incredibly fast, usually no more than 3 minutes from end of line to register. Way faster than the other two places. It's also insanely cheap compared to the other places which is a big bonus. I've decided its worth the mile walk each way twice per weekend, because it really is that good. I'd even go as far to say that its second only to the Bagel Place in College Park as the best bagel in the DC metro area.
(4)
Vishal I.
Better than most bagel spots in Brooklyn, these are some of the best bagels one can find. Especially the one's fresh from the oven...garlic bagel n coffee...yummy. Look beyond the humongous weekend lines and rude wait staff and you'll know what I'm talking about.
(4)
Cynthia C.
Best bagels. Fresh - super fast service. Watch out - cash only, but there's an ATM in the store. Love these bagels.
(5)
Sean C.
These are the best bagels I have had outside NYC. I used to be a regular at Ess-a-Bagel in New York and these are the closest I've had to Ess-a-Bagel's large, soft great tasting bagels anywhere outside NYC. People from NYC will know what I'm talking about.
(4)
Sue C.
Their jalapeno cheese bagel is the best. However, you'll be disappointed with their strawberry bagel and their everything bagel. The strawberry was so bland, you might as well have a plain bagel. And the everything bagel doesn't have enough of the seasoning adhering to it -- it's a very naked 'everything' bagel. Overall, if you're expecting NY bagels, you won't get the authentic ones here, but they're good for satiating a bagel craving.
(3)
Sarah F.
Bagels are pretty good here and they also make a good open face tuna melt sandwich. However it is always super busy and hard to find seating. The real deal breaker for me here is that they NEVER remember to put tomato on my egg sandwich even though I ask for it explicitly. I like Manhattan Bagel better on Stafford and Fairfax.
(3)
Todd Y.
Great bagel place! Had their lox, cream cheese, capers bagel - they don't skimp on the lox! They also make their own bagels on site. Also the philly cheese steak has more meat than other Virginia eateries. Obviously not as good as the real thing but better than anything else you'll get in the DC metro area. Has street seating and inside seating. Friendly and efficient service.
(5)
Jason Y.
Good but not great bagels...but I'm a Ny'er -so have high standards for bagels- and these are the best bagels I've had around here so far.
(3)
Sheila D.
Definitely the best in the area....you can tell from the line out the door on weekend mornings!
(5)
SuperMoi F.
ahh the perfect city bagel shop. people sitting outside all of the restaurants...walking distance to everything arlington...and ummm...my FAVORITE bagel (aside from smoked salmon) is white fish...oooh they are very good. and all the buzz from people sitting and the long line...ahhh what fun is it w/ out all that. best of all by the time i roll out of bed on a sunday morning and make my way there...1:30 2:30...they are still there. and i love the bagel machine thingy on the other side of the glass.
(5)
Bro H.
As people have mentioned this place is a little intimidating. I often end up ordering something that's not exactly what I want - like a dozen bagels for two people, because the dudes there are so impatient. Still, the bagels are pretty good, and the meat, egg and cheese bagel sandwiches, WHEN EATEN AT THE SHOP, are excellent. As takeout, the American cheese congeals and the sandwiches are not very good. I used to run out and get one of these for myself and eat it there, and then bring one home for my girlfriend. I loved the sandwiches and my girlfriend couldn't figure out why I liked them so much. It was only when I brought one home for myself that I realized you absolutely have to eat the things the second you get them. Regardless, this is a great place for a quick breakfast. Another thing to note, though: the dudes get really mad if you are getting bagels/sandwiches from separate dudes. If your dude walks away, you're supposed to wait for him to come back. Dude.
(4)
Cameron W.
I thought we had a good imitation-New York bagel place back home in New Orleans, but I was wrong. These bagels are a lot better. For whatever that's worth! The coffee was good too, and I was surprised how reasonable the prices were.
(4)
Sarah R.
This is just about the only place in the clarendon are to get a good bagel. They have never messed up my order before. Outdoor seating is nice too.
(4)
John M.
I had the pizza special 2 slices and a drink for $5.98. The slices were big and I folded them in half and tried to get some oil to drip out and actualy a little did so that's good. The peporoni slice was not bad but the chicken slice was very light on the chicken. I just hate when a place has up signs that says New York style because there is no such thing as NY Style. It's thin crest which was first made in Italy so how has that become NY Style? They say that so people can think it's as good as NY. Well this is good for Virginia but that is still far from NY. I would actualy say 2.5 to 3 stars for the pizza but I did not have the bagels yet. Also I hate when places try to do too much, in NY for instance there is a pizza place and a bagal place but you will not see a place selling both. Also beware of a place selling pizza and gyros becuase in NY it would be a sin to do both. Both the Italians and Greeks would be very pissed off.
(2)
Laurel w.
Yum! My favorite bagel place, and I know from bagels. . . I used to work in a local shop. Get the egg and cheese on jalapeno. . . I used to live in Courthouse and visit every couple of days. Even several years later, now when I go, the same staff recognizes me.
(5)
Mike S.
The other reviewers hit it right on the head: the most authentic NY style bagels you can get around here. Not as good as the La Bagel Delite at Court & State in the Heights or Murrays in Chelsea but hey, this ain't no NYC baby! The bagels are generously sized, they have a good selection, and the breakfast bagel sandwiches are yummy. They sell good coffee too and if you grind your own beans, their whole-bean house blend is available by the pound and is pretty tasty (not quite Zabar's quality, but, again, we're a long way from the City). On weekends, be prepared to stand in line and in summertime, and if you want to sit outside on a weekend morning... fugeddaboutit unless you're an early bird; it gets crowded early and it's a small space. About the only negative I can think of is that their cash registers and coffee paraphanalia are both awkwardly situated so you end up getting in everyone's way while you're trying to pay and get cream for your coffee. But they do the best they can with the small space they've got. Oh, and I wish they'd take plastic; it's really annoying having to fish around for cash when it's so crowded and you're in the middle of an awkward layout and you've got your hands full with your yummy bagels and coffee.
(4)
Ed K.
Best bagels in the DC area. Ok, I haven't gone around to that many other bagel places around here, but these are by far the best bagels I've had outside of NYC. Of course, you can't compare them to NYC bagels, so don't even try without expecting to be disappointed. The line is almost always long, but it moves very fast. The place is always packed, but me and my girlfriend always manage to get a table. We go to this place just about every Sunday morning, and we love it.
(5)
Todd F.
Dang, the opinion princess beat me to be the first to review my old standby bagel joint when I lived in Arlington! Jennifer S. is pretty spot on though. The food here is of great quality and the owner & staff (all Israeli BTW) are insanely cool. I used to hit this place up for brunch almost every day that I was either working from home or at home for the weekend when I traveled a ton. For me, their claim to fame is their chicken salad, which is one of my favorite things that I never get to order out because it is usually chock full of celery which I can't stomach. However, something about the way they prepare it(maybe the fact that the celery is chopped very finely, I dunno) makes it totally OK, edible, and delicious. It was my go to for years. I would sometimes go the bacon, egg, & cheese route . . . but very seldom since the chicken salad would always be calling to me from inside the glass. This is one of those places I really miss now that I don't live there anymore.
(4)
Katie E.
This is my go-to spot for those mornings when you're a little hungover. Or a lot hungover. Or when you just need some delicious, cheesy eggs on a bagel stat. The bagels are very tasty and made at the location. The dough is chewy with a crisp crust--yum! I usually get the sausage, egg and cheese on a wheat bagel. The portions are large and it's all made right in front of you. The cream cheese is also delicious. Be prepared--it's cash only. There is an ATM there, but bring cash to avoid ATM fees. Also, on weekends, all the young people in the area seem to come here for their weekend breakfast (probably hungover like me, so I'm not hating). Lines are long, but those guys behind the counter are PROS. They are quick and efficient. Have your order ready to avoid having them yell "What are you having?" multiple times. Oh, and not lots of seating, so have someone grab a table while you're in line or grab seating outside on a nice day. A must do if you want some delicious, homemade bagels. They have lots of choices and lots of toppings.
(5)
Vinay I.
Great bagels - all made in-house (you can even see them being made!) Very nice breakfast sandwiches. Fast service - these guys can move the lines very fast! Small seating capacity, however.
(4)
Tamara S.
Thought I was in the 70s with the cash only policy. I can see why there are no lines in that place. The sandwich was ok, but for the inconvenience of payment, I could have made something better at home.
(1)
Cassandra M.
A fine bagel spot. Convenient, pretty good coffee. Bagel barely toasted and tough. Nothing like the bagels I've had in Brooklyn. Won't be back.
(3)
Nichole B.
I only frequent this place when I want to grab a quick sandwich or a quick bagel. I think this is a great local bagel shop in the Courthouse corridor if you are trying to get a quick bite to eat. The staff is pretty friendly and courteous and it is nice to know you can watch them prepare your food as well. They have pretty decent lunch specials that start at 4.99 and the portions are very generous. They also serve pizza as well. There bagel selection is pretty extensive and they are a nice size as well. Just a quick reminder to bring cash with you because they do not have a credit card machine on hand.
(3)
Mangala M.
Bagels are something that I've been craving a lot. A nice toasted cruncy exterior, with a soft pillowy center dressed in a decadent cream cheese. A good bagel is hard to find especially when you do not live in NYC. This is where Brooklyn bagel delivers! An amazing delicious bagel just like the ones you find in NYC. This place is definitely all the hype. Remember to bring cash and come hungry! It's well worth the trip, enjoy!
(5)
Kathryn O.
This place has the BEST bagels in Arlington. The line on Saturdays and Sundays can be pretty long, but it moves quickly. Note that this place does NOT take credit cards, so you have to have cash (there's an ATM in there and a BoA around the corner). Also, there's parking behind the restaurant if there's nothing on the street/you don't have change. I basically only get the everything bagel with cream cheese, but my boyfriend switches it up with various egg sandwiches and/or spreads, and they're all delicious. I think some of the drinks and especially the fruit are overpriced, but it's definitely worth it.
(5)
Jerome T.
Place is the best. I always go for the BLT. Sometimes I worry that my girlfriend likes this place more than she likes me. Great coffee too, and a good atmosphere for Saturday morning reading the paper. Always impressed without how the staff manages the chaos in there when its busy. Bagels as big as your head. Make sure you have cash.
(5)
Eunice M.
I thought my bagel was terrible. It might be because they didn't toast my bagel, though I specifically asked them to. I didn't realize until I got back to my office though. In any case, it was not very good.
(2)
Allison P.
This place has a monopoly on hungover Courthouse/Rosslyn residents. It's a little pricey, but literally the only bagel shop in town. I ordered a multigrain bagel w/lox & cream cheese. Everything was A-OK. K ordered some crazy egg breakfast sandwich and loved every bite of it. I'll be back when the bagel crave strikes again, and hopefully I don't forget cash.
(3)
Justin B.
Pretty good bagels. Spreads taste good, but definitely not enough. Try to go a little heavier on the creamcheese/butter or whatever I order on my bagel. Service is quick. It's cash only here. Guys, get a merchant services terminal, this is ridiculous. Your ARM is not convenient. Overall, I'd recommend it, but I would come more often if the bagels had more spread on them and cards were accepted.
(4)
Sylvie S.
Best bagel joint in NoVA. Stopped by on a beautiful weekend morning to grab some breakfast. I think all of Arlington had the same idea! Line was out the door and it was cray on the inside. Stood in line and snaked around until I could yell my order at one of the guys behind the counter. NY lox on everything bagel, of course. Everything bagel had good flavor and was closest to a NY bagel I've had in DC. Lox definitely hit the spot! Grabbed some of the fresh squeezed OJ as well. Fo sho they squeezed some sweet oranges! FYI: CASH ONLY. There is a Bank of America ATM around the corner and also an ATM in the shop that you can use while in line.
This place is a community fixture, if you go on a weekend morning, you can expect long quick moving lines, limited seating and the fast pace feel of a busy NY style deli. I got the bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon on sundried tomato bagel, Aubs got tomato and cream cheese on a whole wheat bagel. The egg was a generous size, the cheese was a kraft single equivalent and the bacon was plentiful enough that it appeared in every bite. I've gotten this before and I would get it again. Aubs enjoyed her sandwich as well, the portions were adequate, the bagel was not as soft as she would have liked. Bottom line, this place delivered and met our exceptions, no wow factor but a good experience none the less.
(4)
Rach A.
This bagel place is pretty great! I got the multi-grain bagel with lox, onions, and capers--it was delicious! The lox tasted fresh and there was a sufficient amount of cream cheese. My only complaint is that they only put the cream cheese on one side of the bagel, so you cannot split it up to eat it and you have to eat it as a sandwich. Unfortunately, they ran out of the whole wheat bagels, given that I went on a Sunday afternoon that is understandable, but be forewarned! I also tried their mocha which was pretty good and did not have a ridiculous amount of sugar like a few other bakeries. Warning, CASH ONLY! This was another reason I did not give the bakery five stars--- who carries cash nowadays?
This has become our staple in Courthouse after a night out. Always crowded, never a long wait, and the bagels are on point. I always go for the jalapeno-cheddar since it wakes me up :) Take advantage of your wait in line to figure out your order since they definitely keep the line moving. Only gripes: cash only, and I could do without the cashier lady rolling her eyes when I order coffee with my bagel (Maybe someone else should help her out?). Small price to pay for a consistently great breakfast.
(5)
Kristina V.
Sooo, coming from NJ/NY I was on the search for a bagel (a real bagel). I know that I've been spoiled coming from where I came from (I mean there's nothing like a bagel in NY). I came here with my boyfriend and his friend this past weekend and we each got everything bagels (not planned). I got egg and tomato on mine and they both got bacon egg and cheese. The bagel was perfect! It was crispy (the shell) but soft at the same time. So very tasty. SO tasty that I inhaled mine without taking any photos like I meant to do! We sat in the back and got a show at the same time. You see them making the bagels and the whole process that goes along with it - I think that part is a nice touch of Brooklyn. It's cash only (which I knew but then forgot of course). There's a bank across the street in case you forget too. Enjoy!
(5)
M W.
My biggest advice: bring cash!!! It is amazing how many times I have walked in here over the past two months and forgot. They have an ATM but there is no need to get charged taking money out when there are many banks nearby (though I do it, every. single. time...) I typically order a bagel with eggs and cheese, and it comes out hot and delicious. On weekends, it can be annoying with the lines of hungover people from Clarendon (and very little seating) -- but overall, not many negatives. The people taking the order are no BS and move quickly, which I appreciate. And one of the cashiers -- I need to learn her name -- always has a smile and is fantastic, which goes a long way. Try it.
(4)
Marie M.
This used to be my favorite and #1 bagel shop. Until recently, it is not anymore. The past few times I have gone I have been so disappointed. The bagels are not as fresh anymore and they do not even toast them. The bagels in recent visits, have been hard/ stale, barely any cream cheese, and not even toasted/ warmed up. The line is long, but it does go by quickly. The tea is always out and I ask them to refill and no one does. They need to slow down and listen to peoples order to ensure they are accurate.
(3)
Maria P.
EXTREMELY RUDE SERVICE-- we placed a large order for 10 dozen bagels weeks in advance. Upon this morning, not only were the bagels not ready, the manager (Mo) said he thought the order had been cancelled and it was our fault it was taking extra time to get the bagels together. He yelled at us in front of 20+ customers and said if we stopped talking to him he would be able to get everything together quicker. I have NEVER been treated like that in a restaurant and am appalled he thought that behavior was appropriate customer service. I will NEVER step foot in this restaurant again.
(1)
Herman B.
I didn't realize this place was CASH ONLY until my dad and I got to the register. We took an item off our order (it hadn't been made yet), but still didn't have enough cash. My dad had to go down the street to his bank's ATM. We weren't going to use the ATM they conveniently placed in their store. Thinking this was an oversight on my part, I scanned the restaurant for "Cash Only" signage but didn't see any inside or on the front windows. We will not be returning. Also, the blueberry and chocolate chip bagels were extremely salty.
(1)
Bader J.
The bagels are pretty good , I had egg & cheese , you might want to ask them for extra cheese. They are a little frugal with the cheese. Also make sure to bring cash because they only accept cash.
(3)
Matt H.
This is the best spot in Arlington to get a NY bagel. I ordered a bacon egg and cheese on wheat bagel with coffee. The only better bagel I've had is Towson hot bagel in baltimore. This place can get crowded around the breakfast rush, but man is it worth it. Remember cash only! But they do have an atm on site. They also have some small areas for seating if you want to eat in, and they offer little street parking out front.
(4)
Andrew O.
The best bagel spot in the DC metro area. Period. I'm from New Jersey, I go to New York often. I know a good bagel. Bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything - perfect every time. Less than $5 for a solid breakfast. But skip the coffee, it's terrible. Cash only, ATM inside. OK, so it can be a bit of a "soup Nazi" experience. You better know your order when it's your turn. You better not be on your phone. If you want a quiet, relaxing line or eat-in experience, don't come here during peak hours on the weekend. If you want a great bagel and don't give a sh*t, come here. But really, avoid the coffee.
(5)
Ahmad K.
Yummy bagels, not so great service. Make sure you bring cash because they take only cash, and parking nearby is a challenge. If you come during non-busy hours you will get more attention.
(4)
David H.
Bagels are pretty good, the everything could have more "everything," but at least it wasn't salty i'll be sure to try a breakfast sandwich next time
(4)
Ming I.
one of the few places you can get good bagels in dc
(4)
Rachel W.
Among the best bagels in DC. They have nearly every flavor bagel and spread. I feel like I'm eating at a bagelry back in my home state of NJ. Just remember to bring cash when you go!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Another favorite of mine. The bagels are just like New York bagels crispy outside soft inside. I'm not kidding this place is good. Any bagel is good. With butter with cream cheese or with ham egg and cheese! They have many beverages to choose from and their sugar cookies are to die for too.
(5)
Katie P.
Brooklyn Bagel is delicious! The interior is a bit small for the number of people usually inside, and parking can be difficult. But this isn't the far out burbs, so what can you expect? The breakfast is delicious, substantial, and well worth it. The French toast bagel is heaven in breakfast form! The bacon is usually a tad but overdone, but is quite tasty! Well worth it!!
(4)
Que Q.
Great location...the bagels are not bad. However, BBB customer service stinks. This is 2013 and your business does not accepts credit cards? We know what that's about. These cash only business do this to skirt around paying their fare share of taxes. I stopped in this morning to get a bagel.They guy on the register reached back and grabbed my selection with a tissue but his fingers were all over the bagel. Maybe some of you don't mind, but I do. I asked him to get someone else to retrieve another bagel without touching it. He denied touching the bagel with his fingers and said a few choice words in his dialect. Another guy stepped up, put on gloves ( as they should) and retrieve my selection, giving attitude too. Needless to say, after posting this review I will go directly to Arlington County Health Department and file a formal complaint.
(1)
Ahmad M.
I've eaten here several times and it is always great. Their bagels are fresh and delicious and everything is cooked right in front if you. Today I added something new to my order, vanilla chai latte, it was fantastic. This palace will continue to be a regular spot for me
(5)
Steph S.
Don't get all the great reviews for this place. We ordered bagel ham and egg sandwiches four $10. As you can see from my picture the ham is so skimpy. Also the bagels are nothing amazing.
(1)
Nish P.
Solid! Fresh, quick, and always what you expected.
(5)
Michelle S.
There's a place on my college campus that was my go-to for hungover Sunday morning breakfasts. Graduating was especially difficult knowing that I would never be able to cure my hangover with their whole wheat everything bagels. However, Brooklyn bagels makes a wonderful replacement. I always get lox, red onion, capers, tomato, and cream cheese on a toasted whole wheat everything bagel. Heaven. And definitely worth the wait. Just make sure you bring cash as they are cash only.
(5)
Chrissy O.
Just moved to the neighborhood. I was really excited to try this place, especially after hearing some great word of mouth reviews from local friends. I should start by saying I was not disappointed with the food. The bagels were delicious and the toppings (lox, red onion, tomato, capers, and cream cheese on mine; tuna salad, tomato, and melted cheddar on my friend's) were fresh. Customer service, however, was abysmal. The girls running the cashier were incredibly rude. It was my first time there and I wasn't aware they were cash-only. I pulled out my credit card and one of the girls gave me a nasty look and shouted out something to one of the guys in the back before rolling her eyes at me and saying "no cards." I also had to ask for a cup for iced tea four times before they rang it up. I recommend this place based on food alone. Just don't be surprised if the employees are rude.
(3)
Amy B.
Not exactly New York, but these bagels are pretty awesome. I've been here a number of times on Saturday and Sunday morning and am never disappointed. Usually I'll get a bagel with egg and cheese but sometimes will get the lox with cream cheese. All of the bagels I've tried have been very tasty, and that includes a lot of the flavors- everything, sundried tomato, multigrain, Asiago, French toast, cinnamon raison, probably others. Service is also super fast, just remember to bring cash or use the ATM they have in there.
(5)
Clare C.
As a southern WASP, I don't claim to know bagels. They are not my peoples' food. So, when I say that these are some of the best bagels I've ever had, you know where I'm coming from. Gotta get there early if you want some of the "special" bagels, like the French Toast bagel otherwise they'll sell out. But every bagel I've had has been wonderful. I usually get with cream cheese - a nice selection to choose from. But the coffee is lacking, as well as the service. I understand they need to get people in and out as quickly as possible because it's such a tight space. But when I have to repeat my order three times (seriously, a blueberry bagel with cream cheese how hard is that to remember??) I'm not impressed. And yes, they should look into getting Square or something to take cards, but that would just increase wait times. But seriously, you're going to wander over to the Farmer's Market anyway afterwards so you're already going to have cash on you.
(4)
Lauren B.
Love coming here when I'm in town. It can get crowded on the weekends but I always have a good bagel from this place. I don't love their iced coffee but the bagels make up for it.
(4)
Johanna M.
Freshest bagels in Arlington! 2 brothers own the cute shop and they are both very friendly, especially Dean who is always there anytime I go. Last time I forgot to ask for veggies in my bagel but when I asked him he gave me a whole plate of cucumbers tomatoes and sprouts!
(4)
Todd F.
Good breakfast place for a quick grab-and-go. It has a variety of breakfast sandwiches for anyone's taste. However, it is VERY overpriced for the food. A simple egg & cheese sandwich will cost you roughly $5 with any speciality breakfast upwards of $7-8. It does draw a strong following which makes parking a hassle unless its the weekend with free parking in Arlington.
(4)
Rokeya J.
Best bagel I've had in a long time. The cream cheese is amazing. I had the raisin bagel and honey Walnut cream cheese. I don't like that they only take cash so I took off a star.
(4)
Jeff L.
I go here because it is convenient to where I live. The food is good and they have good lunch deals as well. That being said the workers there are unfriendly, they make you pay all cash, and its hard to park there. I feel like I get nickel and dimed every time I go there too (re-fills extra 50 cents), they are always trying to sell fruit that is clearly too old and moldy. All that being said the food is actually really good ha, but certainly a lot of room for improvement.
(3)
Jiani Z.
Always long lines during the weekend, yet they are so good that people keep coming. Bagels are delicious! Abs addicted to them now. The only reason it didn't a five star is that it's cash only.
(4)
Alyssa H.
Living in NY for almost 3 years now, I woke up in DC cravinggggg one of my beloved doughy, perfect bagels. After a quick yelp search, we arrived here and I am pleasantly surprised! The bagels were big and pretty on par with those that I love! I would absolutely recommend this place for bagels for anyone in the area. Minus two stars: 1. No hot coffee...you're a breakfast joint... 2. Smoked salmon...it was dry and overall did not seem fresh. Avoid this and you should be good. Oh! And they only take CASH!
(3)
Phoenix Simone W.
I have mixed feelings about this place. On one hand, as a New Yorker, it's damn near impossible to recreate a NY bagel. Specifically as a NY Jew, bagels and lox are pretty much a staple food, and I really wasn't that impressed with the nova bagel. The ingredients didn't taste 100% fresh, and the lox didn't taste quite right. On the other hand, this is better than all other bagel places I've had in the area. I once got some everything bagels without anything on them, and they were pretty good--the perfect ratio of soft to hard dough. In the end, does it compare to a NY bagel place? Nope. But it does beat out the rest of the bagel places in the area.
(3)
Benslie B.
Bagels are good (not incredible) and the line moves quickly, but they are verrry frugal with their cream cheese. Suggest getting two bagels and a to-go container of cream cheese. And they only take cash!! So remember to bring that.
(3)
Bella J.
Let's get to the point: Bagels are on the large size, not the best, but better than the ones we can get in NC (took a dozen home to freeze) and judging by the crowd, best ones in their town too. The poppy and sesame bagels are dressed as you would think, but their version of the everything lacks quantity of 'everything' and I noted a few sunflower seeds. Maybe I'm a NYC version traditionalist. I did not get, but noted they freshly fry their eggs to order. I should have had a BEC instead of my BLT. On a side note, it's a very busy place on a Sunday and hard to get in/out or get to the drink station due to the narrow shape the place and hungry people in line. But I judge a place more on the food, so if you are nearby, enjoy.
(3)
Melanie V.
Sadly I can't eat here as I am GF but walking in made me reminisce about NY shops. Bought bagels and lox for a very discerning group and they LOVED it! Will definitely go back here, again, when I need to grab some bagels on the weekend.
(4)
Kate N.
Brooklyn Bagel might benefit from the relative lack of competition, but it is a solid bagel. The sandwiches are great because they use real ingredients--eggs that are actually eggs, thick bacon, good cream cheese. My favorite is a BLT on sesame. They don't skimp on the bacon, but this is the only place I've ever been where I think they go too light on the mayo. What I really love about this place is that they're fast and efficient. You can be in and out in 10 minutes. I just wish it was closer to where I lived.
(4)
Kelsey L.
Best breakfast sandwich in the DC area and wonderful bagels. Service is great... You feel like you're in New York City. The guys are loud, productive and friendly. I recommend if you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast off the beaten path..
(5)
Cassandra P.
Such a lack of quality bagel places in the area. This one is great! Not much seating, but most people are in and out quickly.
(4)
Hakuna M.
Perfect lox bagels, great balance of lox, capers and cream cheese.
(4)
Jackie C.
Amazing!!!! The perfect spot for breakfast after a long night of drinking that's for sure. I was going to Cosi but saw a line out the door so I had to check it out and boy was I glad I did! Bacon, egg and cheese on a multigrain bagel was to die for. And their selection on bagels was very dense. This place has something for everyone!
(5)
K S.
Major decline in overall food quality, and they will no longer toast your bagel - at 7:45 AM on a Friday I got a cold cinnamon raisin bagel with an uneven smear of cream cheese. Not worth trying to find parking and making sure you have cash. Still on the hunt for a decent bagel in Northern VA now that both Capital Bagels closed...
(2)
Ryan K.
Best bagel in DC - don't take credit cards so have the cash ready and I always recommend to try the French toast bagel at least once (even if you're not really a sweets person it's definitely worth a try). Also, get there early - otherwise you'll be waiting with all the hungover 20 something's from the Courthouse / Clarendon area.
(5)
Blake S.
Update city... I've been back a few times since my last review and I confess the bagels are probably the best in the DC area. I must have been on my period at the time of my last review. The lox portions still err on the side of small but I've moved on to the bacon egg and cheese which is delicious! The iced coffee is good too and helps with my morning poop. I'll be back soon.
(4)
Jam C.
I never really understood the obsession with bagels (other then Panera Bread Chocolate Chip bagel but that doesn't really count because it's basically dessert =p). Then I walked into this place and I can't stop thinking about bagels! The crispy outside was perfect and the inside was soft & chewy. I never knew bagels can be this amazing and perfect. I highly recommend the Jalapeno Cheddar one, a kick in every single bite! The French Toast is also pretty good and not too sweet. Thanks Brooklyn Bagel, you have enlightened me! :) There's a separate and shorter line by the door if you're just picking up bagels/cream cheese and not ordering a sandwich. I've grabbed a dozen bagels here for work a few times and service was pretty quick. Too bad they close at 5 PM because there have been a few times when I really really wanted to eat one of their bagel sandwiches for dinner.... Don't forget to bring some cash, they don't take credit cards but they do have a generic ATM machine on site if you don't mind paying a small fee.
(5)
A C.
The only possible way that anyone can think that these are actual bagels, much less good bagels, is if they have never had an actual bagel. Anyone who has - even once - would immediately know how absolutely, positively horrible these "bagels" are. Every single thing about them - crust, interior, crumb, texture, flavor, mouth feel, ingredients - is wrong. Not a little bit. Absolutely. Wrong. Imagine the worst supermarket you've ever been in. The kind that doesn't care about the way they handle frozen foods. Freezer burns, frost on packaging, erratic temperatures - you name it. Go there. Buy a sleeve of Lender's Frozen Bagels - which I previously considered the Worst Bagels in the World - and you'll get a better bagel than you can get at Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The only thing worse than their bagels is their inability to prepare the bagels. It doesn't matter what you ask for, they'll do it the way they want. And they don't give a damn. Which brings me to the only thing worse than their inability to properly prepare a bagel: their "customer service." It's rude, insulting, dismissive. It's not quaint. It's not charming. This place has as much to do with Brooklyn as the owners do with quality: nothing.
(1)
Patrick C.
I like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery for bagels and a quick breakfast sandwich. I am from New York (Manhattan's UES), and chuckle when I read reviews that purport to compare to a "NY bagel" and judge another bagel as inferior when the concept is nebulous at best. NYC has good and bad bagels, just like the DC region; however, there are fewer good/great options in DC. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes a New York style bagel, and I find the taste and texture to be good, overall. As to price, I find Brooklyn Bagel to be reasonable for bagels, sandwiches, and cream cheese. Remember, this is North Arlington, not exactly an inexpensive locale in which to operate a business, but compared to the competition, I tend to find a better value at Brooklyn Bagel, especially considering that the bagels are made without preservatives. I believe that the cream cheese is also made fresh in the store, and while I don't eat it, people for whom I purchase it tend to enjoy it very much. I have not sampled anything outside of bagels, sandwiches, and accompaniments, so I cannot comment on the pizza, but they do have a good variety of pizza by the slice, and I know people who do enjoy their slices from Brooklyn Bagel. The customer service is not lacking. This is a busy bagel bakery where the staff is used to turning out orders quickly in order to move the line, lest people complain about long lines. Efficiency of communication does not mean that someone is rude, but that is a New York thing, I guess, and some from other regions don't understand. Even when busy, I have never noticed anything that I would describe as rude, and I would prefer that the staff focus on the order as opposed to idle chit-chat that slows the line. The cash only policy is not unique to this establishment, and I like my credit card perks and points as much as the next guy, but I see no problem with it. If someone reads a review here, then they know that they need to bring cash, so they should not be surprised, or outraged that they have to use the in-store ATM. There are also banks in the vicinity, so no shortage of access to cash. Bagels are like pizza, we all have preferences and what may be superior to one is mediocre to another. Personally, I cannot stand bagels that are not fresh from a local baker, and have even found some supermarkets who have talented bagel bakers can turn out a good product. I do prefer local bakeries and will continue to patronize Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)
Steve M.
NO CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED Good breakfast bagels, which will cost you $4.75 each. Yeah that's pretty steep but it gets even more expensive if you forget to pick up cash first. It'll cost you an extra $1.75 + bank fees to withdraw cash from their in-store ATM. They don't have a credit card machine and they won't even splash out for an iPad with Square. $6.50 for a decent bagel. Your call.
(2)
Nora T.
Excellent service, great bagels and sandwiches with lots of shmear options. Yumm!
(5)
Emma M.
The bagels might be good but there is no excuse to be cash only in today's world. My biggest pet peeve. Will never be back until they accept credit cards. The signage needs to be better to inform people since I had already ordered before I noticed.
(1)
Chelsea H.
Make sure you bring cash!!! I didn't read all the comments before coming but luckily I had cash on me. The food is amazing! Real, homemade bagels not the bread shaped like a bagel. Fruit salad was very good and fresh. The service was also great we were in and out on a busy Saturday morning. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Ed F.
If one orders a "jalapeno cheddar bagel with cream cheese" isn't it reasonable to expect the bagel will have jalapenos and cheddar somewhere in it? And isn't it also reasonable that there will actually be cream cheese on it sufficient to see without a magnifying glass? If you ask these questions to the staff at this bagel shop, their answer will be: "NO!" the bagels across the street are better and cheaper.
(1)
Joseph S.
My favorite breakfast spot near Courthouse when I'm looking for a quick bite. Friendly staff, in house baked bagels. Cash only but they have an ATM.
(5)
Kevin K.
Lox, onion, egg on everything was nothing to write home about. Oh and cash only, boo.
(2)
Carl S.
This place is alright. If you're somebody who thinks that food like bagels and pizza are inherently different in New York, then perhaps you'd have a better experience. It's not bad, for what it is. I only have two real complaints: 1. It's cash only (is this a hipster thing these days?) 2. The cashier was not very friendly. She wasn't rude, but clearly did not want to be there.
(2)
Audrey R.
The bagels are really good here. The place is nice and clean, and the staff is great.
(5)
Josh S.
Pros: Love their bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Lots of variety with 15+ types of bagels and tons of great toppings. Very fast service and good prices. Really convenient location across from Courthouse Metro. Cons: They are cash-only(insane!). They often run out of my favorite kinds of bagels so get there early as they are made fresh daily.
(4)
Dawn L.
Have been going there since I moved to VA and just love the neighborhood hangout. Growing up in New Jersey I really missed good bagels, whitefish, etc. but was so psyched to be able to order lox, onion and eggs on a Sunday am The guys are so friendly and know all of the regulars, their kids and even their parents when they're in town visiting. I'm told several staff members have been with them for over 15 yrs-wow!! Best keep secrets are real NY pizza -only on the week days-(try the white) and the take home salads, lox and cold cuts they you can order by the pound. The food is consistently yummy and always too much. I read the review about too little cream cheese but I always need to tell them to give me a little less! Totally recommend!!!
(5)
Richard Y.
We ordered a poppy bagel and an everything bagel with cream cheese. Having been to a lot of bagel shops in the NYC and Brooklyn area, I was not too impressed. The bagels can use more coating. The everything bagel was more like a semi-everything bagel. This is the only place I know of in the Arlington/DC area that serves bagels and cream cheese. With my frequent bagel cravings, I do not know where else to go. A subpar bagel is still a bagel. For this reason and its cash only payment rule, I have to give this place a 3-star.
(3)
Annie L.
Perfect breakfast stop on the way to the office. Efficient, reasonably priced. But make sure you have cash, no cards accepted. Happy to learn they'll do orders in a separate pan to avoid tasting like bacon from the main grill. They'll also scoop out for a healthier alternative.
(3)
Brian B.
Coming from the North East, I'd like to think that I know what a good bagel is, and Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, true to its name, delivers. It is always busy on the mornings and the line moves fast and efficiently. The food is great and so is the service. Of importance though, bring cash! While they have an ATM on site, avoid the fee and prepare accordingly. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Arpita B.
I don't really think this place provides anything over & above what's available at any other bagel shop... So I don't really get what the hype is all about. Yes, they do have any extensive variety of bagels & cream cheeses but they aren't anything to fawn all over. It's not bad,but not anything impressive. Of all the bagels I personally like the jalepeno cheese bagel. They do have a few breakfast sandwich options. I have only tried the sausage-egg white & cheese which is again... Pretty Standard. The downsides are the fact that (1) it's a cash only joint...PAINFUL & (2) parking can be difficult as it is located on a busy street. Other than that.... I'd say it's a decent option if you are tired of the Dunkin donuts, the Panera breads or other such chains.
(3)
Rashna S.
Best best bagels in Arlington! I got the jalapeño cheddar egg and cheese and it was fantastic. No want to come back and try the sun dried tomato bagel :)
(5)
Demetria C.
Definitely a fan of their salami, egg, and cheese bagels. Staff is very "to the point" .. Know what you want quickly, or they may seem to rush you a bit. Quick service though. I'm a huge coffee fan but haven't tried theirs .. Seems like they carry your average types of coffee for when you're on the go. The "cash only" thing really kills me, especially in a world with Square and Google Wallet (and now Apple Pay). I never carry cash so it's definitely a hassle in the morning.
(4)
Dara R.
First time coming to this bagel bakery, and i heard great things about it from my friend who lives here. I had the everything bagel with cheese and egg and my boyfriend had the chicken salad in the everything bagel. The bagel was very flavorful. Especially with the everything bagel-onion, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, etc. The service was quick and it was overall very good. The bagel on the chicken salad was a bit too chewy/hard but I think that cant be helped because its on a salad.
(5)
Lizette A.
I hate being a bagel snob, but I AM A BAGEL SNOB. I grew up in NYC and moved to Arlington two years ago and no bagel in the DC Metro area has satisfied my bagel cravings like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery has. From crust to core these bagels have just the right fluffily density complimented by the bakery's assorted flavored cream cheeses. Get there early when they've produced their fresh batches and you won't have to wait for toasting- and don't forget to bring cash! There's an ATM on-site, but its always best to skip the ATM line for the bagel line.
(5)
Veronique L.
Don't be deterred by the long lines that form and stretch out the door. When my friends and I came yesterday shortly after 10:30 am, the place was packed. I ordered a pepper jack, egg, and sausage on a whole wheat bagel with a small chai and was out the door within minutes despite my boyfriend's pizza bagel order taking longer. Food is delicious, service is efficient, and I was happy.
(4)
Mari V.
I was chowing down on a pretty good bagel with lox that felt like it may have even been worth the effort of getting cash out and waiting in that ridiculous line... Until I found a clump of hair stuck to the second half of my bagel. Commence dry heaving. Not coming back here again.
(2)
Samed R.
The staff is very "to the point" which is fine when you are a busy fast paced breakfast place but this place has some really subpar food. It isn't horrible but just to the point where you would say "that wasn't bad". Here are my biggest gripes. 1. They won't put salt, pepper, ketchup on your food. So if you order a turkey, egg, and cheese like I do, you will have to sit there and open your sticky sandwich up, and put your condiments on it. They refuse to do it for some reason. I have never experienced this from a breakfast place ever. 2. They only take cash. This is 2014 and your shop is in Arlington, VA. Stop cooking your books and avoiding taxes.
(1)
Sherri D.
I think we found the holy grail for breakfast bagels and LEGIT coffee/sandwiches! Came here around lunchtime on Sunday and the place was pretty busy. After reading reviews, boyfriend and I decided to try this place out since we wanted to try something different for a change. The staff is really friendly, nice, efficient, and takes your order promptly. He got the bacon, egg, cheese bagel and I got the Rockaway Reuben. First off, both orders were delicious and they were ready within 5 minutes and while waiting, I perused the rest of the inside and --They had tons of choices for bagels, mixed fruits, house creamcheese spreads in the fridges up front, and various choices for beverages. The price was reasonable for the quality and portion that you get, but most of all -- it hit the spot and everything was good! Boyfriend liked their coffee and for me, I got the iced mocha which was delicious. No additional sugar needed and it genuinely tasted like mocha coffee. It was perfect. I'm normally picky or want some sort of flavorful creamer to give it a kick, but it was delicious and not sickeningly sweet. We will definitely be back and try other items!
(5)
Megan T.
I've always loved this place but they just messed up my order for the third time in two weeks. I'm pretty disappointed. Providing sometimes subpar quality just to get people in and out faster doesn't seem like a smart business strategy to me, but what do I know?
(1)
April R.
I really like their breakfast bagel sandwiches! It's so good and it's huge! Only downside is that they only take cash (they do have an ATM inside the store) and the female cashier wasn't rude but she was def not friendly and did not want to be there. She's like that every time I go in there. She needs to smile a little more! Everyone there is so friendly!
(4)
Emily D.
This place is great. It's pretty much got everything you could want, pizza by the slice, French fries, salads, bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch and so much more! The coffee is great. This is a regular breakfast spot for me. Only downside is they're cash only. They've got an ATM inside though!
(4)
Donald M.
First time in here, had no idea it was cash only. Didn't see any signs anywhere. Ordered breakfast for two and when they told me it was cash only they pointed me to the conveniently placed ATM right at the register. Sucking it up, I was prepared to pay the 8$ convenience charge for my 8$ of food, but the ATM was out of order. So I asked them what to do, and low and behold they pull out a credit card machine and give me a nasty look. Needless to say I will never come back here again, and I can make better lox at home.
(1)
Mark H.
I absolutely love this place. Best bagels in Arlington. They are made fresh on site every morning. It's busy on weekdays and completely packed on weekends but the wait is never too bad. They have a nice, small patio - if you're lucky enough to find a seat out there. I rarely get anything besides bagels and cream cheese, but the egg sandwiches are also decent. My only criticism is the coffee. It's not great quality and it's self-serve*, so you may buy a coffee only to find out that they've run out, and wait 10 minutes to get more coffee brewed. I've gotten in the habit of taking my bagel to go and brewing my own coffee at home or work. If they upgraded the coffee and replenished the empty thermos more frequently, this would be 5 stars. *No free refills, however, negating any possible advantage to the consumer for pouring your own coffee.
(4)
Jaclyn H.
This place is good when it comes to food but absolutely horrendous when it comes to service. The service is fast which is great but during slower times, the people are so rude. The girl that works at the register is worst of all. She makes faces and refuses to do anything but sit behind the register with a sour look. So good food, bad customer service!!!
(3)
Stacy L.
We found our new bagel place!! Bagels are fantastic. Warm and soft and very tasty. We got everything, sesame and plain. Lox and cream cheese. All delicious. The place was packed this morning but the line moved very fast. Staff was so busy but they really did a great job of getting people in and out. Make sure you bring cash because they don't accept credit cards; however, they do have an atm in the restaurant. There are tables to use inside and outside. Parking was difficult to find though.
(5)
Andrew M.
So the bagels themselves are good. That is if you can get the ones you want. I've gone four times in the last four weekends and every time they were out of Garlic and Asiago bagels (this was at noon and they don't make more). I don't understand why you wouldn't plan to make more of the bagels people like and less of those they don't from a supply perspective. The head guy seems a bit impatient (probably because they are busy) especially if you have to ask if they have a certain bagel (despite the fact that all the labels remain on the bagel shelf making it impossible for you to tell if they have it in stock or not.) It almost seems like a factory they want to get you in and out as fast as possible. Lastly, they are cash only which is a pain, they need to get a square reader or something to make it convenient for their customers because it is 2014 not 1990.
(3)
Brenda L.
Used to work around this place and LOVED coming here for their bagel breakfast sandwiches. This place has the BEST bagels in the DMV!
(4)
Yuchen Z.
It's a popular breakfast/brunch spot in the area. They have an assortment of bagels and sandwich combinations. They make their bagels on site which is really cool. Small seating area in the back/side. Gets really packed during the weekends but generally not too bad. 2 registers-one for lunch sandwiches and one for more quick on the go stuff like bagels and coffee. They have lunch special sandwich combos-sandwich + chips + drinks = $7.99 They also have breakfast bagels of all kinds and lunch sandwiches with all types of meat/cheese/veggie/bread combos. I like their Russian dressing and coleslaw sandwiches. However, the sandwiches are not particularly great or anything. They are kind of dry and slightly bland. It's just "OK." Maybe their breakfast sandwiches are better. It's a fine place to go for a quick bite to eat for lunch or breakfast through. 2 tables of outdoor seating avaible. Busy place.
(3)
Danielle P.
Love this place. Bagels are phenomenal, better than anything else I've had in the DC area. The breakfast sandwiches are huge and filling. My husband and I go here often, definitely give it a try. It's CASH ONLY. So plan ahead. Getting half or a dozen bagels with tubs of cream cheese is the most cost effective thing to do here. Can't beat the price on those for the quality!
(5)
Fallon S.
Great breakfast spot!!! - Fast & friendly service - Fresh squeezed orange juice - NY LOX is absolutely amazing I will be back
(5)
Christine M.
Brooklyn Bagel has the best bagels in the area. I highly recommend the everything bagel which is coated on both sides heavily unlike traditional bagels. It is cash only so be sure to bring it!
(4)
Kara S.
Great bagels! Fresh with many bagel and cream cheese options. this place doesn't overload the bagel with cream cheese but puts on just the right amount! very friendly staff and quick to complete orders. This place is CASH only so make sure you don't just have your credit cards on hand.
(4)
Jay V.
Best bagel shop I've been to in the area. Right combination of crunchy exterior and chewy interior. Good size bagels and they tasted great across my favorites (everything, sesame, poppy). I stopped by here for breakfast or lunch quite regularly when I worked and lived in Courthouse.
(5)
Jen B.
Best spot in Courthouse for a quick breakfast. Love their egg & cheese sandwiches and there's a pretty good selection of bagels. It is cash only and the ATM inside can be hit or miss. Don't be scared off by the long lines on the weekends- it moves pretty fast.
(5)
M H Z.
Just ok. Decent bagels, coffee and sandwiches. Not good enough to take home a dozen or trek out from Fairfax. Bagels from wegmans are better.
(3)
Ashley K.
I so want to love this place. I've been going here on a regular basis for a few months now, and I held off on writing a review because I was hoping that some of the things I saw and experienced were anomalies. Unfortunately, though, the issues that I experienced have persisted. First off, this place has excellent food. I would definitely rate their food alone at 4-5 stars. Their bagels are fresh and delicious. Not too hard, not too chewy, decent-sized. And they also have a pretty substantial menu for such a small shop. My favorite is egg and cheese on an everything bagel. They also have an extensive menu of lox bagels, and their lunch menu is also impressive. Their tuna melt is delicious. Also, I love their coffee. It's not necessarily "gourmet," but it's not that dark roast junk that every restaurant seems to be serving nowadays. However, I only get coffee there first thing in the morning because it doesn't seem that they are very good about making fresh pots as time wares on. I've gone in right before lunch before and gotten coffee that was cold, which led me to believe it had probably been sitting out for awhile. Despite their good food, I have 2 mains concerns with Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, and these are things that I have seen and experienced repeatedly. I have major concerns about the cleanliness of this place. For one thing, their coffee area is always a mess. Sugar, coffee, cream spilled all over the place, napkins and straw wrappers everywhere. And this is every day. I understand that things get hectic during the morning rush, but the coffee bar is seriously always gross. It makes me worry about their standard of cleanliness for other areas, including the tables that people eat off of and other areas that customers do not actually see. Also, I'm not sure what the law is in Virginia, but not all the guys behind the counter wear a hat or hair net all the time. And I only even noticed this because I once found hair in my food (and it was definitely not my hair). Finding someone else's hair in your food is never a pleasant experience, and I really feel like restaurants should do everything in their power to prevent such nastiness (including mandating people near the food to wear something on their head). Also the service is spotty. Most of the time, they keep the line moving pretty fast. The problem, however, is that they offer espresso beverages, but don't seem to want to provide enough staff to actually service the espresso beverages. Imagine that you walk into Starbucks and there is ONE person working there running the cash register AND making drinks during morning rush. This is the kind of log-jam that the situation creates. If you get in line behind someone who orders a latte, your food is going to be done before you have even made it to the register, and you end up waiting a loooooong time. It's just irritating. Also, sometimes the guy at the cash register is really short with customers and is just kind of standing there scowling. And they've gotten my order wrong more than once. Overall, like I said, I so want to like this place. I went here almost every morning for a substantial period of time because their breakfast was superior by far to any other fast-service restaurant in the area. However, I really limit my visits now because of the cleanliness issues and the service. Wish they could step it up, because this place really could be a gem.
(2)
Marco A.
The bagels are large, puffy and very flavorful; visually, Brooklyn makes a handsome bagel. Probably the best bagels I've had in the DC area but I can't say I've tried all the top DC bagel spots. My two favorite so far are the sun dried tomato and the everything. The everything bagel is exactly what you want out of an everything and the sun-dried tomato bagel is infused with delicious spicy tomato flavor. I wanted to give Brooklyn Bagel five starts but I think I've had better bagels in NYC. Maybe I'm over glorifying my memory of NYC bagels but I still believe that's where the best bagels in the world are found. TIP: as many of the reviews have mentioned, Brooklyn is cash only
(4)
Vlad G.
Maybe I should have known better, but I decided to go with a non-bagel option - the Coney Island sandwich. Composition was mediocre, with the sheer amount of bread overwhelming an overcooked and stringy chicken breast. Good acid balance from the red pepper, but my tomato slice needed more thawing. After defending his choice of venue, my friend said I had to try his bagel. And to be fair, my one bite of that was tasty. The kicker for me was NO CREDIT CARDS!! You're a modern business in northern VA, time to step your game up.
(1)
Chae K.
I mainly grab their many flavored bagels, so I can only speak for the bread and not the sandwiches, but I gotta say that BBB has some pretty authentic NY Style bagels. Slightly crispy on the outside and completely soft and chewy inside as expected for bagels that are boiled (gives it that nice dense, chewy factor) and baked.
(4)
Jess G.
You know what I wake up and crave every weekend? This place. My order: The bacon (or sausage), egg, and cheese bagel - cooked to perfection. Every. Time. AND it's fresh. I can't tell you how many bagel places I've been to where the eggs are "pre-cooked." Na uh. Not here. Made to order. Lines: Yes, they are long. Yes, you are hungry. But fear not - these guys know how to serve their customers FAST. Wait it out. Caveats: CASH only, but they do have an ATM on prem. Also, parking isn't great if you've got wheels. Verdict? I'm no "New-Yorker" but these bagels are the real deal, so get on down to BBB and get that bacon, egg & cheese on an e'rythang bagel STAT.
(4)
Michele S.
This is my go-to breakfast place. Everytime I have friends or family in town, we make a stop here for breakfast. They have great veggie lite cream cheese, and offer a whole wheat everything bagel. My other favorites are the jalepeno/cheddar, and the pumpernickel. The bagels are big and doughy, with the right amount of crispy on the outside. I also love their bacon, egg, and cheese bagels; they never skimp on the bacon. If you're not a bagel fan, they offer croissants and sliced bread. It's very small so it can get crowded during peak times, and seating is scarce. It's CASH ONLY!! However, they have an ATM on-site.
(5)
Amanda P.
Tried an everything bagel ham and cheese egg sandwich. It was tasty! The fresh bagel was the best part. There wasn't very much room for seating, but for a quick breakfast bite it's perfect.
(4)
Melinda C.
I guess I need the "How to Order a Bagel WITH cream cheese" for Dummies Handbook. I went this morning around 9:30 am to use the Scoutmob Deal. I ordered a Sesame Seed bagel with cream cheese. While waiting to pay, I mean show them the Scoutmob App on my phone, I looked inside my bag, and saw no cream cheese in sight. When I got to the register, I asked for cream cheese. The cashier completely ignored my request. Ehhh, it was free...In any case, I will not be going back because 1) I do not live in Courthouse 2) I do not work in Courthouse 3) I never carry cash 4) I'll never forget the day they didn't give me free cream cheese to go with my free bagel. It was like the day I went to Cold Stone Creamery and ordered a cone for the first time ever, and they said they didn't have any made yet. Whaaa??? I did like the fluffiness of the bagel itself though!
(3)
Ahmed K.
About as close as you can get to the real deal. Brooklyn Bagels make me excited again to have a bagel for breakfast in DC again.
(4)
Liz C.
BBB has the best bagels in Arlington, VA and probably all of NoVA. My go-to is the everything bagel with ham, egg, and cheese. The bf always goes for the everything bagel with lox. They have a bunch of different types of bagels and spreads so there's something for everyone. The guys who work here can seem a bit abrasive but they're just trying to get people through the line. The only downside is they are cash only, but there's an ATM if you need it, so even that isn't a big deal.
(4)
Joshua S.
Hands down the best bagels in VA/DC/MD! Usually order 2-3 dozen at a time and freeze them. Have been a staple at our house since we tried them two years ago.
(5)
YF K.
Sort of disappointed! Maybe my expectation is too high! It's okay and edible but don't be fool by the name and expect too much.
(3)
Stephie Z.
One of my favorite places to breakfast while in DC. I wish Atlanta had some better bagel joints. The lox, cream cheese, and onion on a garlic or everything bagel is where it's at. Shit can't be beat!
(4)
Marc W.
I love the everything bagels! Never had a bad meal here, and the service is always top notch. They even serve La Colombe coffee. Overall best bagels in the area!
(5)
Kevin L.
I grew up in Jersey, so I appreciate (and love) good bagels. This is the best bagel place by far in northern VA. I can see how some folks going for the first time are a bit intimidated --- but worth it. As a regular, I still feel rushed....they get crazy busy because they are that good. I will continue to go!
(5)
Kate R.
i don't get it. We only had breakfast sandwiches, but they weren't orgasmic. I expected a lot more from this place from the reviews. But on second review, I noticed most of these people consider Clarendon DC and well, we know that's far from the truth. Anyways, we each got a bagel sammy, one egg and cheese on an everything and one on an onion. The bagels were average at best, the onion one was sloppily put together so that the egg part was scrunched on one side of the sammy. The coffee was average. The service wasn't bad, but it could be improved. The just kind of bark at you for your order and you move along the line. The regular coffee was out when I went to grab mine, there was maybe 1 person in there the whole time i was there, so you'd think that'd be something they'd be on top of. sayin'
(2)
Dorrie D.
My favorite bagels in the DC/VA/MD area. I tend to buy the dozen, and also pick up one or two of their homemade cream cheeses. The bagels are huge, and each one makes for a filling meal. Least favorite is the cinnamon raison (too hard). Best for me are likely the sesame seed, the french toast (though best eaten fresh), and the "Everything"/Onion. Some personal favorite memories are quiet mornings reading paper and eating bagels/drinking coffee with boyfriend outside of this place. Particularly good memories when I am referring to days when I am "teleworking".
(5)
Paul F.
Fresh bagels baked beautifully . Hard-working mom-and-pop staff. Good menu selection and reasonable prices. Suck it Brueggers and Einstein!
(5)
Mike S.
This place is great. Aside from the 'cash-only' nonsense; I'm a huge fan. They have a great selection of bagels, toppings and cream cheeses. I myself love the sun-dried tomato bagel with salmon and humus, which is weird I'll admit; but they do it right every time.
(4)
Lena P.
I don't even know what lox or capers are (reading this Brooklyn stuff was like reading a foreign language), but I ordered it on a jalapeno cheese bagel with tomato, cream cheese, and red onions...or at least I think I did, if they gave me the right order or I read it right? Whatever it was, it was delicious. I'm a huge bagel fan and I will definitely be back. The cash only thing is bogus though.
(4)
Doug A.
Best bagels in the arlington area for sure. We walked from Virginia square all the way to courthouse just to eat them. So tired of Cosi's crappy bagels. There's a constant line, but it moves fast and we still got our food before we would have at Cosi, and there's never anyone at cosi.
(5)
Anca M.
Delicious bagels! Made fresh daily. My favorite is the lox & cream cheese with capers, tomato and red onions. A delicatesse :)
(5)
Megan A.
Brooklyn Bagels might be my favorite place for a "restorative" brunch meal on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The bagels are amazing (I'm partial to the Pumpernickel), especially as part of an egg and cheese sandwich. If you specify cheddar cheese (the default is American), it's especially delicious. The Williamsburg sandwich is great if you want a more lunchtime sandwich. Unsurprisingly, this place gets pretty busy on weekends and the outdoor seating is limited. Cash only (they have an ATM, though I'm sure the fee on it is outrageous).
(5)
Ahmed Q.
A nice and cozy place to get your bagel fix. Get the egg & cheese on everything whole wheat bagel! Soo good
(4)
Brenna M.
I moved to Arlington from NY and if there's one thing I miss about NY it's the bagels. Took me a year of searching and finally found the closest thing to a NY bagel here. So delicious and worth the drive wherever you live. Good service, parking is a bitch, cash only, and AWESOME food.
(5)
Misha T.
By mid-atlantic standards these are great, probably the best in the area. By NYC standards... well let's just be grateful we have something around.
(4)
Casey W.
- pet peeve of mine. . .places that have another place in it's name when its not in that place - comparable prices with the area - lots of options, quick efficient service - bagels weren't great but they were acceptable as far as bagels go - nice portion
(3)
Sean M.
Out for a morning walk with my trusty credit card in case I wanted to eat and decided to stop in and give this place a try. Placed my order and went to pay and was told it is cash only. Didn't have any cash so canceled my order. Didn't see a sign that said cash only but may have missed it. Cashier was apologetic but the manager was fairly rude about the issue. Oh well, food may be great but cash-only is irritating.
(1)
John M.
Having been raised in New Jersey, with its plethora of delis and bagelries, I was sorely disappointed with DC's selection of quick breakfast/lunch options. Everything was either average and overpriced, or cheap and crappy. And then I took a job in Court House, around the corner from this place! Bagels are about as good as you'll find in the DC area - chewy on the outside and soft in the middle, just like they're supposed to be. You can get any assortment of fillings, like eggs, lox, and spreads. The $4.99 lunch specials aren't bad either - try the gyro or Italian sub. Just beware that this place is CASH-only, but there is an ATM by the front door. As for the previous comments regarding the staff, all I can say that they get their job done.
(4)
Sydney L.
I lived in NYC for 5 years and these are the best local substitute for real boiled NY bagels. My boyfriend and I stopped in around 10:30 am on a Saturday and there was a line practically out the door, but it moved quickly and the employees there clearly focus on speed and efficiency. Make sure to study up on the menu as you wait in line so you know exactly what you want when you reach the ordering post. I got a sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel--delicious!--and my boyfriend got a pizza bagel with pepperoni on a garlic bagel. The pizza bagel was good and a fun throw back to eating those frozen snacks as a kid. There was plenty of seating in the back and out on the patio for such a busy morning. All in all, the outing probably took 30-35 minutes--waiting in line, order, paying and then sitting in the shop and eating. Not bad since most brunch spots in Arlington you have to wait 30 minutes just for a table! Will definitely be going back!
(5)
Siobhan F.
A taste of home!!! NY Bagels to go!! For those that are not use to the fast pace it may seem overwhelming but this is definitely an authentic bagel shop! Line is long but moves very fast. Sausage, egg & cheese on a bagel is my norm but there is a variety of selections! Definitely worth a try
(4)
Samone G.
This place could be better. Menu is weird. Also the sandwich creations they have make no sense. Also the big problem I had was it was cash only with an ATM located inside the establishment. Very sketch for me. This place is bit special. I like my bagel place in centreville WAY more then this place. It's overrated
(3)
帅
Is nice foot there are!
(5)
Michael G.
Cash only bagel spot in Courthouse. In my opinion the bagels/breakfast sandwiches are very average but it is better than cosi, Brooklyn bagel, or other places in the area. Bacon, Egg, Cheese will run you about $4.75 not including a coffee, or the ATM fee when you realize this place is cash only. Seating can be hard to get
(2)
Edward L.
Was super excited to try their bagels. Experience similar to NY (totally rushed through the process, but that's part of the charm). Disappointed to find out it's cash only. Frustrated because there is no sign advertising this. Upset when their ATM isn't functional. Embarrassed when the staff becomes irritated that I'm holding up the line. Customer service needs some work.
(2)
Mary M.
There is not one person in this bagel shop that is from Brooklyn. I ordered an egg and cheese on an onion bagel and received a egg and cheese on an everything bagel. The sandwich was cold and the bagel was doughy and not toasted as I asked. The servers and cashier were not friendly and I saw them mix up two peoples orders. I will not be going back. Its worth the trip to Ballston to go to Manhattan Bagel, which is much much better.
(1)
Zane U.
Went here two days in a row due to a ridiculous bagel craving. Day 1: I had an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese while my girlfriend went with an everything bagel, toasted with butter. Ordered a coffee and a soy latte as well. The bagels themselves were great, but neither of them seemed to have been toasted. The bacon also appeared to have come from the ridiculous pile of bacon on the griddle and didn't come out very hot. Both of the coffees were great. Overall this experience was ok due to the untoasted bagel and cold bacon. Service was quick though. Day 2: Same great coffee drinks, same great quality of bagels - this time toasted. I went with a ham, egg white and cheese on everything. This time the sandwich came out piping hot. My girlfriend went with an everything bagel with cream cheese. Bagels were outstanding, as before, but the toasted bagels and warm ham/egg set these over the top. Coffee was just as great as day 1 and the service was quick even though the place was packed. Overall this was a great experience. We will be back!
(4)
Elizabeth R.
The BEST bagels in Courthouse! My go to is the Sausage/Egg/Cheese on an EVERYTHING bagel. :)
(4)
Niurka M.
These peple are the best. They go from making there own delicious bagels to having the most friendly crew, and huge choice of sandwiches. And let me not start talking about there awesome pizza. Love this place.
(5)
Naman J.
Sunflower seed bagel? Sundried Tomato bagel? Is your mouth watering yet? If you want to try these exotic flavors, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is the place to be at. Very well located near the Court House Metro Station, this establishment has tons of delicious bagel flavors and very well priced. Service is quick and nice, and the bagels filled me up even though I did not get any topping. In a nutshell, this place is a gem that is not too expensive.
(5)
Maddie E.
I recommended this place to everyone. I grew up going to this place since I was in Elementary school and the guys there have literally watched my siblings and I grow up. (I'm 22, btw) I don't live in Arlington anymore and I drive 2 hours just to get a bagel, that's how good they are. They're bagels are amazing and fresh and they can not be compared to DD or Panera. This place is home, you won't regret going there.
(5)
Mike R.
Love it for a delicious NY bagel with chive or veggi cream cheese. It's cash only which is annoying and nearly impossible to find a place it sit on the weekends but it's very good. This is the only place I go to get my bagel fix in the Courthouse area.
(4)
Donn D.
I recently tried this place after watching a movie at AMC Courthouse, and I'm glad I did. I just tried one of their Reuben sandwich and it was delicious. The portions of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese was just right.
(4)
Sage W.
the people works there its svks ,i never eat anything from there ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Joanna M.
As a NYC bred girl, I KNOW a good bagel and can argue that NY's shittiest bagel still rivals any glorified bagel elsewhere. As a NYC transplant, I know this and expect to lower my expectation but come on people! Einsteins, Breuggers, for the love of god people, these are NOT real bagels and I have no pity for you because I'm afraid you just don't know any better. There, there, don't you worry child. Lets get something straight Brooklyn Bagels, you are the closest place in the DMV area that I have found to have relatively decent bagels. Granted, if this place was making bagels in NYC, it would be like one star tastewise, texturewise, etc. but in DMV area, I'd give it 3 stars because it's ok, just OK. I like to go early (as early as my hungover ass can wake up) and get a warm B.E.C. (Bacon, egg & cheese) bagel but for $5/$6, that's absurd! *sigh my nyc $2-3 B.E.C. bagel back at home.... Whatever, reality is I can't trek up home EVERYTIME i have a bagel or omg a BIALI! craving (*insert beavis and butthead "uhhhhhh" here*) but Brooklyn Bagels, in this area, I can do. What I really really do not like is the kind of cheese Brooklyn Bagels uses on their bacon, egg, and cheese. The cheese is the processed/fake kind of cheese (think kraft singles or something) not the beloved fresh boars head cheese used in the best NYC delis and for friggin 5 dollars, the least you can do is put on some good cheese dammit! Bagels: Egg, Sesame bagels are all okay, their plain bagel eh but their Everything bagel is way salty for my tastebuds.
(3)
James T.
My favorite bagel outlet, Manhattan, has closed. The next nearest is Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and I decided to use it for a brunch gathering of 30 people.. Its website makes clear that bagels are $8.99 a dozen. It wasn't stated that you get 13 bagels when you buy a dozen (called a "baker's dozen"), but I have never been to a bagel outlet that does not give you 13 when you buy a dozen. Enter Brooklyn Bagel, run by an obvious non-NewYorker!! Not only do you not get 13 but the price is $11.89 and not $8.99 for a dozen. So I paid a little over $50 for 4 dozen bagels, vastly more than I have ever paid anywhere else before -- and they only take cash (which strikes me as suspicious for several reasons).. I mentioned the website pricing to the owner/manager and he said the website says "price subject to change at any time." This is not what I would like to have heard. Apparently customer relations is not a strong point for this owner. The bagels are large and pretty good but I am not ready to pay essentially a dollar per bagel quite yet. There are other bagel outlets with excellent bagels, easier parking and less pecuniary owners. Brooklyn likely will not see me again. But it is perfect for Yuppies who don't care what they pay.
(1)
Matt M.
Great little bagel place and very handy location as well. I highly recommend the jalapeno bagels which are delicious, although I've tried the garlic and french toast bagels too and they are a close second. Love sitting outside in the sun on a weekend morning in the summer.
(4)
Joel P.
Definitely try the jalapeño bagels! Cash only.
(5)
Alon S.
A fun place to have breakfast. They only except cash. Very fast pace. They have a few tables outside. You need to be very lucky to get one.
(3)
Alli K.
This place doesn't even need another fantastic review, but I'm putting mine here anyway. I moved to Courthouse in July and Brooklyn Bagel has quickly become part of my weekend tradition. My standard order is simple (poppyseed bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox) but is consistently delish. I love the huge variety of cream cheeses and need to branch out and try more of them. Did I mention they also have very good coffee? The real reason I felt the need to leave a review is because of how kindly accommodating they are when I ask for soy milk for my iced coffee. They don't have soy milk sitting out, but the nice lady at the cash register always tells me to go make my iced coffee at the counter, then bring it back to her for a splash of soy milk. Even when it's super crowded (okay it's ALWAYS super crowded), she takes a moment from her steady stream of customers to get me my soy milk. Might seem silly, but I really appreciate small service gestures like that. (PS: I am lactose intolerant, not just being a diva.) Bagels, Etc. in Dupont will probably forever be my favorite bagel place in DC (why can't more New Yorkers relocate here and open real bagel shops?? I will never know. They'd make a killing.) But this is a very close second, and I'm quite happy that it's just around the corner from my apartment.
(5)
Albert L.
Great local shop in Courthouse to grab some breakfast on the quick. They've got a decent selection of coffees at reasonable prices, and they have a large breakfast menu that uses their housemade bagels. Really, you can watch the guys behind the counter crank out the dough and boil the bagels. Great stuff. Ordered up a sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything, took but a minute to get it after ordering. These bagels are big and chewy. They do not skimp on size - in fact, they're probably as big as your face. They also layered the sausage, egg, and cheese well enough to give you a nice bite of everything as you work your way through it. It's popular with the locals, so don't be surprised to find it a bit tight in the seating area. There's usually no crazy lines on weekends, so it's a nice option for an early morning energizer pre/post workout.
Can I give 6 stars? This is BY FAR the best bagel in the entire DC metro area. CASH ONLY -- and a few reviewers have complained about that -- but get over it. Really. The bagels are awesome, fresh (made on site and you can see the whole production process), and frequently still warm when we order an extra half dozen to go. Some reviewers have also commented on the ordering experience and it is true - you better know what you want when they ask you or you have no business being in line. This should not be a surprise for a shop with the word "Brooklyn" in its name. For my time and money, I am fine with them insisting that you do not waste their time and mine while you read the menu over and discuss with your friends what kind of bagel you want today. And once they get to know you (and know you will not hold up the line) it is all good. Kind of fun, really. Favorites (beyond the obvious toasted bagel with a shmear in any flavor they offier) are the sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, and the egg salad sandwich. Coffee is really good and fresh too. So get your bagel fix in Arlington -- worth the trip from anywhere.
(5)
Shanon J.
Incredible bagels and a good cup of coffee. The place was packed but the service was very fast. The bagels tasted fresh and had a yummy outside crunch.
(5)
Jane M.
Bagels are decent, but could definitely be better. Good enough to cure a hangover on a Saturday morning. However, staff is definitely rude and unfriendly. Makes me not want to go back. And cash-only is never convenient.
(3)
Joanna C.
Ok, they might have messed up half of my order, but it was still delicious. I went in to order an egg salad bagel (on whatever they had left) and maple walnut raisin cream cheese on a plain bagel. They gave me plain cream cheese on a plain bagel. But I don't care. The egg salad was well worth it. Bring cash, as they don't accept cards, and good luck with parking. :) And try the egg salad! Can't wait for another excuse for a bagel.
(4)
I G.
My dad owned and ran deli's in NYC and Westchester county NY. I basically grew up in a deli. I will admit the bagel was very good, tasty and the right amount of chewy. Not much in common with restaurant of same name that I frequent in Wellington FL. My main problem with this place was that it was dirty and when a cockroach ran across the table (mind you this was late December) my easy going wife said enough let's go and just left the rest of her bagel. Funny we spent a couple of weeks in Lima Peru this year eating at all types of restaurants, never saw a restaurant as filthy and unsanitary as this one. Does the board of health not check restaurants in Arlington VA? And what's with the cash only policy? People working at the BB in Arlington were not very friendly or helpful. Empty coffee canisters while employees stood around doing nothing, maybe they should have been washing their hands and cleaning the restaurant. Kind of gross overall wouldn't go back.
(2)
Daniel B.
Never again. This place is super convenient, right down the street, so I have given them multiple shots at earning my business and failed miserably every time. I admit that the food here is decent, not earth-shattering amazing as all the reviews seem to paint it, but decently good. Decent, convenient food would be enough to make me come back if it weren't for the awful service. Awful. Most recent visit: unfriendly and messy. Coffee station is a disaster, there are patio umbrellas and open drink cases strewn across the floor in front of the door. No one seems to be concerned with cleaning up or taking my order for that matter. One guy (manager?) is sitting at a table, relaxing and reading the paper. This place lacks all the little things that make for good customer service and a memorable, positive experience. I was expecting a "cool, unique, local" atmosphere, but instead felt like an unwelcome inconvenience rather than a valued customer. It's been equated to the Soup Nazi by other reviewers. How is that a good thing? This correlation breaks down because the soup was GREAT and customers were willing to put up with his abrasive personality to get some. Not the case here. Secondly: this cash only "policy" is not just a problem, it's ridiculous. How can you acknowledge this issue in your review, but still give 5 stars? Seriously? It isn't 1993. EVERYONE accepts credit cards, from fast food to vintage button peddlers at flea markets. Your customers expect this convenience. Failing to offer it is annoying and unacceptable. What's more, there is NO notice anywhere. Here's an idea: Sharpie + paper = note to customers that you only accept cash. And that you still operate in the 18th century. When asked about it, the guy (who begrudgingly shuffled over to take my money) gives a smart-ass, f-off response and acts like I'm the idiot for without a wad of cash ready to pay. As if this is the norm everywhere else in the world. Yup, you're right. Customer is always wrong. Duly noted. Question: Does this policy qualify your business to be considered a historic landmark? Is that what you're going for? Even though Brooklyn is by far the closest and most convenient bagel place for me, I won't be going back. Screw bagels, I'll head across the street and get beignets instead.
(1)
Haru D.
This place is pretty dingy, not well-lit, staffed by guys who look and act like serving you is their last priority. I've gone back a few times when in a pinch and needing some breakfast but won't be patronizing here any longer. They've gotten my order wrong a couple of times and the dirty kitchen area just doesn't do anything to help keep me, or anyone for that matter, as a customer. Peace out BB, I'll be seeking greener aka cleaner breakfast pastures. p.s. - This place only accepts cash. Blah.
(2)
Ali B.
Very good bagels! Super fast service, and cash only. Closest I've come to a "good" NY bagel in this area!
(4)
Joseph G.
I always get the nuts and berries salad, which is a big salad for only $6. Their lentil soup is also a good lunch option for around $4. Their sandwiches are big and filling. In general, this is a lunch shop that offers better value than a lot of the neighboring lunch options.
(4)
Tammy L.
I grew up in NY, so naturally a bit of a bagel snob. This place is good, for the area. Maybe one of the best in the area, but I still can't completely rave about the bagels themselves. I do really enjoy coming here. It's very much your typical NY style bagel shop in that it's always busy, hectic, and quick. Definitely a great go to spot for locals, hangover mornings, or even everyday mornings. Food: -Coffee isn't the best. -Can't go wrong with standard bagel with a topping. -Lunch menu is surprisingly amazing - (Try the Howard Beach!) Atmosphere: -Small hectic bagel shop, big lines that go quick. Love the energy in this place. -Few tables in the back -Few tables outside front -Love coming here with friends on weekend mornings. Good For: -Quick bagel sandwich (of any kind) -Relaxing weekend mornings -Small groups (2-3 ppl. Tables are small and not much room) CASH ONLY! But they have an ATM in the store.
(4)
Ellen K.
So disappointed in this place! I came here once before and the bagel was okay. After trekking up Rosslyn hill I was looking forward to a bagel and some wifi. When I asked for my bagel it took forever! Also, they over charged me by 2 dollars. A an older man after me bought the same sandwich and was charged less, even including a drink! When I asked how much my sandwich was, the cashier replied "What did you pay?" When I replied he said "That's how much it is, you have three slices there!" Ewww they discriminate against women here and steal from their customers.
(1)
Layla L.
Bagel sandwiches are awesome! Albacore white tuna salad and chicken salad is made perfectly, not too much mayo and not too chunky. The bagels aren't quiet as chewy and delicious as NY bagels but it's ok I'm not expecting that level of quality anywhere except NY and SF.
(4)
Sarah D.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Best bagels you will get in the area hands down. I go here EVERY weekend for a bagel and take everyone from out of town! All I can say is LOVE!
(5)
Alan S.
I tried the "triple decker" for lunch. It was good. It wasn't amazing and it wasn't bad. I didn't regret going here for lunch, and I'm in no hurry to go back. It was a decent meal, but I think some of these reviews are a little over the top. It's not *that* good. And seriously, the cash-only thing - - really? It's not quaint, it's annoying.
(3)
Michael C.
Damn, I just wrote a crappy review of Manhattan Bagels in Vienna and said they didn't hold a flame to this place, so I guess I better write a good review of Brooklyn bagels. I'm a jew from Brooklyn. I laughed when I saw this shop, but secretly hoped it would be good, since we just moved to NoVa. It was! Really, good work guys! Bagels were great, and the appetizer were as well. Lox, whitefish, everything was A+ But, now we moved in to Vienna and you're gonna make me drive to Arlington? Shit. Well at least it's closer than Park Slope :)
(5)
Sara R.
My go-to spot for bagels!! Just as good as in New York and my favorite spot in the city. Love the whole wheat everything with light veggie cream cheese, or smoked salmon cream cheese. Tuna salad is also good. Cash only.
(5)
Samed R.
The staff is very "to the point" which is fine when you are a busy fast paced breakfast place but this place has some really subpar food. It isn't horrible but just to the point where you would say "that wasn't bad". Here are my biggest gripes. 1. They won't put salt, pepper, ketchup on your food. So if you order a turkey, egg, and cheese like I do, you will have to sit there and open your sticky sandwich up, and put your condiments on it. They refuse to do it for some reason. I have never experienced this from a breakfast place ever. 2. They only take cash. This is 2014 and your shop is in Arlington, VA. Stop cooking your books and avoiding taxes.
(1)
Lizette A.
I hate being a bagel snob, but I AM A BAGEL SNOB. I grew up in NYC and moved to Arlington two years ago and no bagel in the DC Metro area has satisfied my bagel cravings like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery has. From crust to core these bagels have just the right fluffily density complimented by the bakery's assorted flavored cream cheeses. Get there early when they've produced their fresh batches and you won't have to wait for toasting- and don't forget to bring cash! There's an ATM on-site, but its always best to skip the ATM line for the bagel line.
(5)
Veronique L.
Don't be deterred by the long lines that form and stretch out the door. When my friends and I came yesterday shortly after 10:30 am, the place was packed. I ordered a pepper jack, egg, and sausage on a whole wheat bagel with a small chai and was out the door within minutes despite my boyfriend's pizza bagel order taking longer. Food is delicious, service is efficient, and I was happy.
(4)
Demetria C.
Definitely a fan of their salami, egg, and cheese bagels. Staff is very "to the point" .. Know what you want quickly, or they may seem to rush you a bit. Quick service though. I'm a huge coffee fan but haven't tried theirs .. Seems like they carry your average types of coffee for when you're on the go. The "cash only" thing really kills me, especially in a world with Square and Google Wallet (and now Apple Pay). I never carry cash so it's definitely a hassle in the morning.
(4)
Dara R.
First time coming to this bagel bakery, and i heard great things about it from my friend who lives here. I had the everything bagel with cheese and egg and my boyfriend had the chicken salad in the everything bagel. The bagel was very flavorful. Especially with the everything bagel-onion, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, etc. The service was quick and it was overall very good. The bagel on the chicken salad was a bit too chewy/hard but I think that cant be helped because its on a salad.
(5)
Sydney L.
I lived in NYC for 5 years and these are the best local substitute for real boiled NY bagels. My boyfriend and I stopped in around 10:30 am on a Saturday and there was a line practically out the door, but it moved quickly and the employees there clearly focus on speed and efficiency. Make sure to study up on the menu as you wait in line so you know exactly what you want when you reach the ordering post. I got a sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel--delicious!--and my boyfriend got a pizza bagel with pepperoni on a garlic bagel. The pizza bagel was good and a fun throw back to eating those frozen snacks as a kid. There was plenty of seating in the back and out on the patio for such a busy morning. All in all, the outing probably took 30-35 minutes--waiting in line, order, paying and then sitting in the shop and eating. Not bad since most brunch spots in Arlington you have to wait 30 minutes just for a table! Will definitely be going back!
(5)
Siobhan F.
A taste of home!!! NY Bagels to go!! For those that are not use to the fast pace it may seem overwhelming but this is definitely an authentic bagel shop! Line is long but moves very fast. Sausage, egg & cheese on a bagel is my norm but there is a variety of selections! Definitely worth a try
(4)
Samone G.
This place could be better. Menu is weird. Also the sandwich creations they have make no sense. Also the big problem I had was it was cash only with an ATM located inside the establishment. Very sketch for me. This place is bit special. I like my bagel place in centreville WAY more then this place. It's overrated
(3)
帅
Is nice foot there are!
(5)
Michael G.
Cash only bagel spot in Courthouse. In my opinion the bagels/breakfast sandwiches are very average but it is better than cosi, Brooklyn bagel, or other places in the area. Bacon, Egg, Cheese will run you about $4.75 not including a coffee, or the ATM fee when you realize this place is cash only. Seating can be hard to get
(2)
Edward L.
Was super excited to try their bagels. Experience similar to NY (totally rushed through the process, but that's part of the charm). Disappointed to find out it's cash only. Frustrated because there is no sign advertising this. Upset when their ATM isn't functional. Embarrassed when the staff becomes irritated that I'm holding up the line. Customer service needs some work.
(2)
Michelle S.
There's a place on my college campus that was my go-to for hungover Sunday morning breakfasts. Graduating was especially difficult knowing that I would never be able to cure my hangover with their whole wheat everything bagels. However, Brooklyn bagels makes a wonderful replacement. I always get lox, red onion, capers, tomato, and cream cheese on a toasted whole wheat everything bagel. Heaven. And definitely worth the wait. Just make sure you bring cash as they are cash only.
(5)
Chrissy O.
Just moved to the neighborhood. I was really excited to try this place, especially after hearing some great word of mouth reviews from local friends. I should start by saying I was not disappointed with the food. The bagels were delicious and the toppings (lox, red onion, tomato, capers, and cream cheese on mine; tuna salad, tomato, and melted cheddar on my friend's) were fresh. Customer service, however, was abysmal. The girls running the cashier were incredibly rude. It was my first time there and I wasn't aware they were cash-only. I pulled out my credit card and one of the girls gave me a nasty look and shouted out something to one of the guys in the back before rolling her eyes at me and saying "no cards." I also had to ask for a cup for iced tea four times before they rang it up. I recommend this place based on food alone. Just don't be surprised if the employees are rude.
(3)
Amy B.
Not exactly New York, but these bagels are pretty awesome. I've been here a number of times on Saturday and Sunday morning and am never disappointed. Usually I'll get a bagel with egg and cheese but sometimes will get the lox with cream cheese. All of the bagels I've tried have been very tasty, and that includes a lot of the flavors- everything, sundried tomato, multigrain, Asiago, French toast, cinnamon raison, probably others. Service is also super fast, just remember to bring cash or use the ATM they have in there.
(5)
Clare C.
As a southern WASP, I don't claim to know bagels. They are not my peoples' food. So, when I say that these are some of the best bagels I've ever had, you know where I'm coming from. Gotta get there early if you want some of the "special" bagels, like the French Toast bagel otherwise they'll sell out. But every bagel I've had has been wonderful. I usually get with cream cheese - a nice selection to choose from. But the coffee is lacking, as well as the service. I understand they need to get people in and out as quickly as possible because it's such a tight space. But when I have to repeat my order three times (seriously, a blueberry bagel with cream cheese how hard is that to remember??) I'm not impressed. And yes, they should look into getting Square or something to take cards, but that would just increase wait times. But seriously, you're going to wander over to the Farmer's Market anyway afterwards so you're already going to have cash on you.
(4)
Lauren B.
Love coming here when I'm in town. It can get crowded on the weekends but I always have a good bagel from this place. I don't love their iced coffee but the bagels make up for it.
(4)
Johanna M.
Freshest bagels in Arlington! 2 brothers own the cute shop and they are both very friendly, especially Dean who is always there anytime I go. Last time I forgot to ask for veggies in my bagel but when I asked him he gave me a whole plate of cucumbers tomatoes and sprouts!
(4)
Ashley K.
I so want to love this place. I've been going here on a regular basis for a few months now, and I held off on writing a review because I was hoping that some of the things I saw and experienced were anomalies. Unfortunately, though, the issues that I experienced have persisted. First off, this place has excellent food. I would definitely rate their food alone at 4-5 stars. Their bagels are fresh and delicious. Not too hard, not too chewy, decent-sized. And they also have a pretty substantial menu for such a small shop. My favorite is egg and cheese on an everything bagel. They also have an extensive menu of lox bagels, and their lunch menu is also impressive. Their tuna melt is delicious. Also, I love their coffee. It's not necessarily "gourmet," but it's not that dark roast junk that every restaurant seems to be serving nowadays. However, I only get coffee there first thing in the morning because it doesn't seem that they are very good about making fresh pots as time wares on. I've gone in right before lunch before and gotten coffee that was cold, which led me to believe it had probably been sitting out for awhile. Despite their good food, I have 2 mains concerns with Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, and these are things that I have seen and experienced repeatedly. I have major concerns about the cleanliness of this place. For one thing, their coffee area is always a mess. Sugar, coffee, cream spilled all over the place, napkins and straw wrappers everywhere. And this is every day. I understand that things get hectic during the morning rush, but the coffee bar is seriously always gross. It makes me worry about their standard of cleanliness for other areas, including the tables that people eat off of and other areas that customers do not actually see. Also, I'm not sure what the law is in Virginia, but not all the guys behind the counter wear a hat or hair net all the time. And I only even noticed this because I once found hair in my food (and it was definitely not my hair). Finding someone else's hair in your food is never a pleasant experience, and I really feel like restaurants should do everything in their power to prevent such nastiness (including mandating people near the food to wear something on their head). Also the service is spotty. Most of the time, they keep the line moving pretty fast. The problem, however, is that they offer espresso beverages, but don't seem to want to provide enough staff to actually service the espresso beverages. Imagine that you walk into Starbucks and there is ONE person working there running the cash register AND making drinks during morning rush. This is the kind of log-jam that the situation creates. If you get in line behind someone who orders a latte, your food is going to be done before you have even made it to the register, and you end up waiting a loooooong time. It's just irritating. Also, sometimes the guy at the cash register is really short with customers and is just kind of standing there scowling. And they've gotten my order wrong more than once. Overall, like I said, I so want to like this place. I went here almost every morning for a substantial period of time because their breakfast was superior by far to any other fast-service restaurant in the area. However, I really limit my visits now because of the cleanliness issues and the service. Wish they could step it up, because this place really could be a gem.
(2)
Todd F.
Good breakfast place for a quick grab-and-go. It has a variety of breakfast sandwiches for anyone's taste. However, it is VERY overpriced for the food. A simple egg & cheese sandwich will cost you roughly $5 with any speciality breakfast upwards of $7-8. It does draw a strong following which makes parking a hassle unless its the weekend with free parking in Arlington.
(4)
Rokeya J.
Best bagel I've had in a long time. The cream cheese is amazing. I had the raisin bagel and honey Walnut cream cheese. I don't like that they only take cash so I took off a star.
(4)
Jeff L.
I go here because it is convenient to where I live. The food is good and they have good lunch deals as well. That being said the workers there are unfriendly, they make you pay all cash, and its hard to park there. I feel like I get nickel and dimed every time I go there too (re-fills extra 50 cents), they are always trying to sell fruit that is clearly too old and moldy. All that being said the food is actually really good ha, but certainly a lot of room for improvement.
(3)
Marco A.
The bagels are large, puffy and very flavorful; visually, Brooklyn makes a handsome bagel. Probably the best bagels I've had in the DC area but I can't say I've tried all the top DC bagel spots. My two favorite so far are the sun dried tomato and the everything. The everything bagel is exactly what you want out of an everything and the sun-dried tomato bagel is infused with delicious spicy tomato flavor. I wanted to give Brooklyn Bagel five starts but I think I've had better bagels in NYC. Maybe I'm over glorifying my memory of NYC bagels but I still believe that's where the best bagels in the world are found. TIP: as many of the reviews have mentioned, Brooklyn is cash only
(4)
Vlad G.
Maybe I should have known better, but I decided to go with a non-bagel option - the Coney Island sandwich. Composition was mediocre, with the sheer amount of bread overwhelming an overcooked and stringy chicken breast. Good acid balance from the red pepper, but my tomato slice needed more thawing. After defending his choice of venue, my friend said I had to try his bagel. And to be fair, my one bite of that was tasty. The kicker for me was NO CREDIT CARDS!! You're a modern business in northern VA, time to step your game up.
(1)
Chae K.
I mainly grab their many flavored bagels, so I can only speak for the bread and not the sandwiches, but I gotta say that BBB has some pretty authentic NY Style bagels. Slightly crispy on the outside and completely soft and chewy inside as expected for bagels that are boiled (gives it that nice dense, chewy factor) and baked.
(4)
Jess G.
You know what I wake up and crave every weekend? This place. My order: The bacon (or sausage), egg, and cheese bagel - cooked to perfection. Every. Time. AND it's fresh. I can't tell you how many bagel places I've been to where the eggs are "pre-cooked." Na uh. Not here. Made to order. Lines: Yes, they are long. Yes, you are hungry. But fear not - these guys know how to serve their customers FAST. Wait it out. Caveats: CASH only, but they do have an ATM on prem. Also, parking isn't great if you've got wheels. Verdict? I'm no "New-Yorker" but these bagels are the real deal, so get on down to BBB and get that bacon, egg & cheese on an e'rythang bagel STAT.
(4)
Michele S.
This is my go-to breakfast place. Everytime I have friends or family in town, we make a stop here for breakfast. They have great veggie lite cream cheese, and offer a whole wheat everything bagel. My other favorites are the jalepeno/cheddar, and the pumpernickel. The bagels are big and doughy, with the right amount of crispy on the outside. I also love their bacon, egg, and cheese bagels; they never skimp on the bacon. If you're not a bagel fan, they offer croissants and sliced bread. It's very small so it can get crowded during peak times, and seating is scarce. It's CASH ONLY!! However, they have an ATM on-site.
(5)
Amanda P.
Tried an everything bagel ham and cheese egg sandwich. It was tasty! The fresh bagel was the best part. There wasn't very much room for seating, but for a quick breakfast bite it's perfect.
(4)
Melinda C.
I guess I need the "How to Order a Bagel WITH cream cheese" for Dummies Handbook. I went this morning around 9:30 am to use the Scoutmob Deal. I ordered a Sesame Seed bagel with cream cheese. While waiting to pay, I mean show them the Scoutmob App on my phone, I looked inside my bag, and saw no cream cheese in sight. When I got to the register, I asked for cream cheese. The cashier completely ignored my request. Ehhh, it was free...In any case, I will not be going back because 1) I do not live in Courthouse 2) I do not work in Courthouse 3) I never carry cash 4) I'll never forget the day they didn't give me free cream cheese to go with my free bagel. It was like the day I went to Cold Stone Creamery and ordered a cone for the first time ever, and they said they didn't have any made yet. Whaaa??? I did like the fluffiness of the bagel itself though!
(3)
Ahmed K.
About as close as you can get to the real deal. Brooklyn Bagels make me excited again to have a bagel for breakfast in DC again.
(4)
Liz C.
BBB has the best bagels in Arlington, VA and probably all of NoVA. My go-to is the everything bagel with ham, egg, and cheese. The bf always goes for the everything bagel with lox. They have a bunch of different types of bagels and spreads so there's something for everyone. The guys who work here can seem a bit abrasive but they're just trying to get people through the line. The only downside is they are cash only, but there's an ATM if you need it, so even that isn't a big deal.
(4)
Lena P.
I don't even know what lox or capers are (reading this Brooklyn stuff was like reading a foreign language), but I ordered it on a jalapeno cheese bagel with tomato, cream cheese, and red onions...or at least I think I did, if they gave me the right order or I read it right? Whatever it was, it was delicious. I'm a huge bagel fan and I will definitely be back. The cash only thing is bogus though.
(4)
Doug A.
Best bagels in the arlington area for sure. We walked from Virginia square all the way to courthouse just to eat them. So tired of Cosi's crappy bagels. There's a constant line, but it moves fast and we still got our food before we would have at Cosi, and there's never anyone at cosi.
(5)
Anca M.
Delicious bagels! Made fresh daily. My favorite is the lox & cream cheese with capers, tomato and red onions. A delicatesse :)
(5)
Megan A.
Brooklyn Bagels might be my favorite place for a "restorative" brunch meal on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The bagels are amazing (I'm partial to the Pumpernickel), especially as part of an egg and cheese sandwich. If you specify cheddar cheese (the default is American), it's especially delicious. The Williamsburg sandwich is great if you want a more lunchtime sandwich. Unsurprisingly, this place gets pretty busy on weekends and the outdoor seating is limited. Cash only (they have an ATM, though I'm sure the fee on it is outrageous).
(5)
Ahmed Q.
A nice and cozy place to get your bagel fix. Get the egg & cheese on everything whole wheat bagel! Soo good
(4)
Brenna M.
I moved to Arlington from NY and if there's one thing I miss about NY it's the bagels. Took me a year of searching and finally found the closest thing to a NY bagel here. So delicious and worth the drive wherever you live. Good service, parking is a bitch, cash only, and AWESOME food.
(5)
Misha T.
By mid-atlantic standards these are great, probably the best in the area. By NYC standards... well let's just be grateful we have something around.
(4)
Casey W.
- pet peeve of mine. . .places that have another place in it's name when its not in that place - comparable prices with the area - lots of options, quick efficient service - bagels weren't great but they were acceptable as far as bagels go - nice portion
(3)
Sean M.
Out for a morning walk with my trusty credit card in case I wanted to eat and decided to stop in and give this place a try. Placed my order and went to pay and was told it is cash only. Didn't have any cash so canceled my order. Didn't see a sign that said cash only but may have missed it. Cashier was apologetic but the manager was fairly rude about the issue. Oh well, food may be great but cash-only is irritating.
(1)
Daniel B.
Never again. This place is super convenient, right down the street, so I have given them multiple shots at earning my business and failed miserably every time. I admit that the food here is decent, not earth-shattering amazing as all the reviews seem to paint it, but decently good. Decent, convenient food would be enough to make me come back if it weren't for the awful service. Awful. Most recent visit: unfriendly and messy. Coffee station is a disaster, there are patio umbrellas and open drink cases strewn across the floor in front of the door. No one seems to be concerned with cleaning up or taking my order for that matter. One guy (manager?) is sitting at a table, relaxing and reading the paper. This place lacks all the little things that make for good customer service and a memorable, positive experience. I was expecting a "cool, unique, local" atmosphere, but instead felt like an unwelcome inconvenience rather than a valued customer. It's been equated to the Soup Nazi by other reviewers. How is that a good thing? This correlation breaks down because the soup was GREAT and customers were willing to put up with his abrasive personality to get some. Not the case here. Secondly: this cash only "policy" is not just a problem, it's ridiculous. How can you acknowledge this issue in your review, but still give 5 stars? Seriously? It isn't 1993. EVERYONE accepts credit cards, from fast food to vintage button peddlers at flea markets. Your customers expect this convenience. Failing to offer it is annoying and unacceptable. What's more, there is NO notice anywhere. Here's an idea: Sharpie + paper = note to customers that you only accept cash. And that you still operate in the 18th century. When asked about it, the guy (who begrudgingly shuffled over to take my money) gives a smart-ass, f-off response and acts like I'm the idiot for without a wad of cash ready to pay. As if this is the norm everywhere else in the world. Yup, you're right. Customer is always wrong. Duly noted. Question: Does this policy qualify your business to be considered a historic landmark? Is that what you're going for? Even though Brooklyn is by far the closest and most convenient bagel place for me, I won't be going back. Screw bagels, I'll head across the street and get beignets instead.
(1)
Haru D.
This place is pretty dingy, not well-lit, staffed by guys who look and act like serving you is their last priority. I've gone back a few times when in a pinch and needing some breakfast but won't be patronizing here any longer. They've gotten my order wrong a couple of times and the dirty kitchen area just doesn't do anything to help keep me, or anyone for that matter, as a customer. Peace out BB, I'll be seeking greener aka cleaner breakfast pastures. p.s. - This place only accepts cash. Blah.
(2)
Ali B.
Very good bagels! Super fast service, and cash only. Closest I've come to a "good" NY bagel in this area!
(4)
Joseph G.
I always get the nuts and berries salad, which is a big salad for only $6. Their lentil soup is also a good lunch option for around $4. Their sandwiches are big and filling. In general, this is a lunch shop that offers better value than a lot of the neighboring lunch options.
(4)
John M.
Having been raised in New Jersey, with its plethora of delis and bagelries, I was sorely disappointed with DC's selection of quick breakfast/lunch options. Everything was either average and overpriced, or cheap and crappy. And then I took a job in Court House, around the corner from this place! Bagels are about as good as you'll find in the DC area - chewy on the outside and soft in the middle, just like they're supposed to be. You can get any assortment of fillings, like eggs, lox, and spreads. The $4.99 lunch specials aren't bad either - try the gyro or Italian sub. Just beware that this place is CASH-only, but there is an ATM by the front door. As for the previous comments regarding the staff, all I can say that they get their job done.
(4)
Tammy L.
I grew up in NY, so naturally a bit of a bagel snob. This place is good, for the area. Maybe one of the best in the area, but I still can't completely rave about the bagels themselves. I do really enjoy coming here. It's very much your typical NY style bagel shop in that it's always busy, hectic, and quick. Definitely a great go to spot for locals, hangover mornings, or even everyday mornings. Food: -Coffee isn't the best. -Can't go wrong with standard bagel with a topping. -Lunch menu is surprisingly amazing - (Try the Howard Beach!) Atmosphere: -Small hectic bagel shop, big lines that go quick. Love the energy in this place. -Few tables in the back -Few tables outside front -Love coming here with friends on weekend mornings. Good For: -Quick bagel sandwich (of any kind) -Relaxing weekend mornings -Small groups (2-3 ppl. Tables are small and not much room) CASH ONLY! But they have an ATM in the store.
(4)
Ellen K.
So disappointed in this place! I came here once before and the bagel was okay. After trekking up Rosslyn hill I was looking forward to a bagel and some wifi. When I asked for my bagel it took forever! Also, they over charged me by 2 dollars. A an older man after me bought the same sandwich and was charged less, even including a drink! When I asked how much my sandwich was, the cashier replied "What did you pay?" When I replied he said "That's how much it is, you have three slices there!" Ewww they discriminate against women here and steal from their customers.
(1)
Layla L.
Bagel sandwiches are awesome! Albacore white tuna salad and chicken salad is made perfectly, not too much mayo and not too chunky. The bagels aren't quiet as chewy and delicious as NY bagels but it's ok I'm not expecting that level of quality anywhere except NY and SF.
(4)
Sarah D.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Best bagels you will get in the area hands down. I go here EVERY weekend for a bagel and take everyone from out of town! All I can say is LOVE!
(5)
Alan S.
I tried the "triple decker" for lunch. It was good. It wasn't amazing and it wasn't bad. I didn't regret going here for lunch, and I'm in no hurry to go back. It was a decent meal, but I think some of these reviews are a little over the top. It's not *that* good. And seriously, the cash-only thing - - really? It's not quaint, it's annoying.
(3)
Michael C.
Damn, I just wrote a crappy review of Manhattan Bagels in Vienna and said they didn't hold a flame to this place, so I guess I better write a good review of Brooklyn bagels. I'm a jew from Brooklyn. I laughed when I saw this shop, but secretly hoped it would be good, since we just moved to NoVa. It was! Really, good work guys! Bagels were great, and the appetizer were as well. Lox, whitefish, everything was A+ But, now we moved in to Vienna and you're gonna make me drive to Arlington? Shit. Well at least it's closer than Park Slope :)
(5)
Sara R.
My go-to spot for bagels!! Just as good as in New York and my favorite spot in the city. Love the whole wheat everything with light veggie cream cheese, or smoked salmon cream cheese. Tuna salad is also good. Cash only.
(5)
Jon H.
I would give it five stars, but its just solid bagels here. The service is efficient (almost too efficient), and the bagels are pretty fresh and decently priced. Highlights? French Toast bagel (rare in many places) and Salt bagel (rare as well, mostly NY specific). I would have given it 5 stars, but unfortunately I found out 2 days later that Bruegger's has Salt Bagels now too, and I think their bagels are just fresher, so I took a star away. All in all, the bagels are very solid here. Just a tad too thick (I had 1 once that almost had no hole in the middle), and just a tad too dense. Unfortunately, I just can't tell the difference between here and Brueggers anymore, and to me, Brueggers is just fresher.
(4)
Andrei C.
This is the only bagel place in the Courthouse area of Arlington, therefore, not much choice when it comes to bagels. The texture and taste of the BBB bagels is mediocre, at best. The cream cheese mixes are OK, some are actually nice, depending on your personal preferences. Although the bagels are mediocre, they are still better than Einstein Brothers and other factory franchise type of stores. Although they bill themselves a bakery, BBB does not provide "baker's dozen" packages to take to your office. For those who do not know what a baker's dozen means - it is a package that contains 13 items and you pay the price for 12. BBB is the only bakery I have walked into that does not do that. The really bad part is when you try something that is non-bagel. The sandwiches are yucky. The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich barely has any cheese on it, it is drowned in mayo and the vegetables are almost raw, barely heated on the griddle. Yuck, yuck, yuck! The Coney Island sandwich was even worse, with the chicken breast being so overcooked, it chewed like a piece of Goodyear rubber. Another oddity is that the place is located in a heavily populated area with lots of offices, yet they do not accept credit cards and I never got a receipt from them unless I specifically asked for it (and I got the evil eye for doing so). I wonder if the IRS knows of this piece of trivia. Conclusion: bagels are somewhat OK, other items suck. Prices are generally high for the quality you get. Cash only and no receipts. I would avoid this place.
(1)
Debi N.
I've been to many bagel shops. I even have my go-to-bagel-shop place back home that I miss dearly. This place it's as amazing as everyone makes it seem.. It's cute, they have lots of yummy drink choices and menu items, and the service is quick. I like that it's quick. However, if I'm gonna pay for lox, I expect some lox. They always seem to jip me and it's never enough to fill the bagel. I've also notice (with egg bagel sandwiches) the egg is like only like 1/2 the size of the bagel. Which leaves extra bread. Yeah, the bagel itself is okay, but I don't want just bread. If I did I'd just order a plain bagel for 1/4 of the price than a whole sandwich. However, this place is the only place I found near me that serves lox. So I'll be back...I guess. Oh yes, CASH ONLY, which sucks.
(2)
Chad O.
Grew up on bagels in northern Jersey and NYC. Brooklyn Bagels is as good as I've found in NOVA/DC after 3 years of trying. It is CASH only, ATM machine in store. Saturday mornings are a zoo. Seating is limited, but turns over relatively quickly. There is a charge for coffee/soda refills. The bagel, egg, cheese, and whatever sandwiches are extremely good and popular. However, they do full deli sandwiches. My personal favorite is chicken salad on pumpernickel bagel with sprouts.
(5)
Kristen R.
I gotta give it to them... being middle eastern, taking cash only in a preppy white area.. they do well for themselves. Their bagels are good, their breakfast sandwiches are better. This girl at the register is not very nice, the guys behind the counter don't mess around. When it's your time to order you better order. Reminds me of New York i guess.
(4)
Shahram L.
Excellent bagels. Chocolate chip, cheddar jalapeño, all kinds. It's totally worth the wait. Everything is just so fresh and delicious.
(5)
Sarah H.
A must -try bagel place in DC. If I lived here I'd be a regular. It's right across the street from the metro too.. how convenient is that?! They also have a private parking lot in the back.. how convenient is that x2?! Bagels are baked fresh every morning and there's a good selection of breads, spreads, and combos to choose from. The BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE on GARLIC BAGEL is addicting. Grab an orange juice or coffee to pair with your bagel. Can't wait to come here again when I visit DC. yummy yummy yummy.
(5)
Lindsay R.
1 star deduction because A) I wish they would take credit cards B) I wish there was more seating. I've been here twice in the past couple weeks and I'm pretty sure my husband and I will make it a weekly trip! Bagels are fresh and yummy. Service is quick. I believe prices are comparable for the area (actually, probably a bit less expensive than Corner Bakery, which is next door, but better quality). So far I have had the everything bagel with plain cream cheese and the lox with cream cheese. Both were delish! That little shop gets very crowded and you need to know what you're going to order before getting into line, or else you're holding up the staff. In my opinion, staff were not rude, but just worked at a hurried pace (which I appreciate) to serve the food quickly. Check in with Foursquare and get a free bagel and cream cheese.
(4)
Valarie G.
Cash only and very very loud machines kind of kill the ambiance. I got lox, onion, and an egg on an everything bagel and while it was good - it was overly salty...but could be my fault on the ordering as well.
(3)
Ayla B.
The only place open for breakfast before 8am around here (Opens M-F 0630, Sat & Sun 0700). Thanks to the other reviews, we got cash beforehand (no plastic taken here) & the hubby & I checked out the menu online so we wouldn't hold up the line deciding what we wanted. Cost was more than we expected, $20.80 for: Sausage, egg, & cheese on cinnamon raisin bagel w/ plain cream cheese (they use a real fried egg!) Sausage, egg, & cheese on sun dried tomato bagel w/ veggie lite cream cheese (sausage is perfect) Two spiced chai lattes (best I've ever had!!) Two orange juices I thoroughly enjoyed watching them make the bagels while we ate. The kitchen is surrounded by glass so you can watch the process from beginning to end! Overall, great experience!! The bagels were so perfect! Not so chewy & heavy on the inside like most bagels. Nice crunch on the outside. We'll definitely be going again while we're in town!
(5)
Jaymi F.
I don't understand... maybe because this is the only 'breakfast' place within walking distance. Long lines. rude staff. cash only (with no signs posting such). bad bagels. That's what I don't understand: bad bagels = long lines?
(1)
John G.
Bar none the best in arlington to get your bagels. Speedy service great selection of bagels and at the very least competitive if not inexpensive prices. Just be sure to bring cash or use the on site ATM as they dot take cards. Beyond their bagels their breakfast sandwiches and lunch pizza are both highlights as well
(5)
Windi L.
Do you remember the soup Nazi? As in "HAVE YOUR ORDER READY TO GO" type of operation? Yeah... Brooklyn Bagel is kind of like that. The line gets long but it moves quickly. When ordering, speak LOUDLY and CLEARLY. Oh how many times have I ordered a tuna melt and it came with Swiss cheese **GAG** Articulate your words. The bagels here are made in house and served fresh. My favorite is the salt bagel. Only gripe is that there's only salt on one side of the bagel so if you get a tuna melt (as I often do), you only get that salty crunch on one of the pieces of tuna. Another Chinky favorite is the lox with a coffee and biscotti. Something about their biscotti is unique and different. Very tasty and not too stale. Sorry, kids... I can't comment on their cream cheese as I don't eat that stuff. They also serve coconut water so when you're hung over from your pepper party you can hydrate correctly. Cash only. Just to give you an idea of the cost: one tuna melt on a salt bagel + one lox on salt (no cream cheese) + 1 small coffee + 1 bottled juice + 1 coconut water == $20 even. Limited seating both indoors and out but somehow I always find a seat. Oh and don't even think about bringing a dog inside. It's not worth the risk.
(4)
Erin T.
This is the worst bagel shop I have been to in the DC area. First, every bagel you eat will automatically taste like onions because they use the same utensils between bagels. Second, if you spend more than five minutes in the restaurant you will come out smelling like burnt toast. Third, their roof leaks in heavy rain on your head while you stand in line. Fourth, I hope you like Raisin or Plain bagels, because those are the only two flavors they consistently have in stock. Fifth, if you find you accidentally didn't carry cash into this "apparently" cash-only restaurant, you will be berated by the cashier as you leave (Don't worry, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, I won't be making that mistake again--I won't be coming back). Sixth, the bagels are not nearly fresh enough to be called true Brooklyn style--false advertising. Skip it and go to the Cosi across the street.
(1)
Hannah B.
It's probably good that this place doesn't take credit cards..or I'd eat there every morning. They make probably the best bacon egg and cheese I've ever had. The bagels are a pretty big side and they loooaddd it with bacon. Its not like one from other places where they give you a couple slices Also don't be intimidated by the hangover crowd on the weekend, the line moves pretty fast. Even though I started off my review with "It's probably good they don't take credit cards",I do wish they did(reasons for not the full 5 stars) I'm one of those people who never has cash because once I get it, its gone. I have been there when they've let people pay with credit card. Not sure if they know the owners or if they have a big purchase, but they do have an atm in there and there is also a Wells Fargo and Bank of America right around the corner. Overall delicious bagels and bagel sandwichs. A must for every Saturday/Sunday morning for sure.
(4)
Matt K.
I live in Long Island so have grown up on the best bagels in the world and especially the best bacon-egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches. Because of this, I didn't even want to try one of these in Virgina. So, I ordered the ROCKAWAY REUBEN and it was delicious!
(4)
Timothy M.
Best bagels in Arlington
(5)
Paul L.
I have a good friend who really likes this place. It is, indeed, an OK place and I don't regret going. The bagel, their mainstay, is just OK. They are a little doughy. Perhaps I am picky because I am a New Yorker. I probably would have given them four stars if they didn't have Brooklyn in the name. If the premise is a New York bagel, that's what I expect. I ordered a simple egg and cheese w/salt,pepper, ketchup. The egg wasn't enough to cover the bagel, there was not cheese and salt,peper,ketchup on the side. Now, the egg issues was a matter of taste, the cheese was forgivable, but are you really going to call yourself a NYC bagel company and not put the SPK on the bagel for the customer? I have never had a bagel in the five boroughs where I said, salt peper ketchup and they didn't apply it to the sandwich. It's a good spot, but it would be better known as Arlington Bagel Bakery. Although on a fair note, it has epic New York style lines. Depending on the time of day, it has Moses and the Exodus style lines.
(3)
Brooke G.
Jew from NJ/NY looking for a good bagel in the DMV area! I tried a few places and *maybe* Bethesda Bagels holds a candle to them, but it was extinguished in due time. I tend to go there every Sunday to grab bagels to bring mom's (of note, she says there's no comparison in the area). They are freshly baked, yum :-) There is a separate line for just bagels (along with cream cheese, whitefish containers, etc...) and they are quick to serve you. However, the line for sandwiches can get a bit long but tends to move quickly. The only downside is that they are cash-only. While I never spend enough to warrant use of a credit card, I don't always carry cash, and have to remember to hit the ATM. It's convenient that there is a B o A right around the corner.
(5)
N M.
Fast and yummy. The service while efficient is not pleasant, but they get the job done. If you forget cash, they have an ATM. Busy place on weekends!
(5)
Ann B.
The most New Yorkish things about this place are that they're crabby, they only take cash, and it's somewhat awkward to move around in when it's busy. Their bagels are actually pretty decent, though they tend to run out of popular varieties and the outer-bagel seasonings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, salt, etc.) can be sparse to absent. They have a nice variety of stuff like fresh fruit, salads, cookies, etc. and a good beverage selection. Pizza is okay - Goody's is better. The least New Yorkish thing about this place is the amount of cream cheese on my bagel. Their cream cheese schmears are SKIMPY. The goop should be falling on my lap! Things like chicken/tuna salad get piled on in great heaping mounds... why not the cream cheese? Sheesh.
(3)
Taieb Z.
Best bagels in DMV area !!!
(5)
C H.
Great Bagel for a good Price. Its a good sign when the entire shop is full at 0930 on Sunday morning. They didn't get a 5th Star because the coffee was not fresh and a bit weak. Other than the coffee I would highly recommend Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)
Jason K.
Good lox and cream cheese. My friends were somewhat disappointed with their stuff but mine was great.
(3)
C M.
One time I was trying to motivate myself to go on a 7-8 mile run. I reeeally didn't want to. What, I thought, could possibly be a great enough reward to run that far at 8 AM on a Saturday morning? And then it hit me: an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich on an everything bagel from Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse. THE ONLY THING WORTH RUNNING FOR. Thus, I ran all the way from NW DC, across bridges and up ENDLESS HILLS, to Arlington just to get a bagel from this place. It was entirely worth it. The bagels are fresh and chewy, not bread-y. They fry real eggs (not yellowish circles of rubber) for their breakfast sandwiches. The staff is efficient and speedy (I don't find them rude at all). To think I once lived just down the street! Why didn't I eat here every single day? Why don't they open like 10 more locations? Why are bagel options so terrible in DC? Whyyyyyy??
(5)
Nicky B.
I eat Brooklyn bagel about once a week (would be more if my metabolism would just go back to its pre-teen state) and today while chomping on my everything bagel with cream cheese and tomato, I felt compelled to write a review. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet, because it is HANDS DOWN the BEST bagel in DC. Now, if you know bagels, you'll know that this does not say much, but still, they're really good. I recommend the jalapeno and cheddar (it's not that spicy, but it's good) or an everything bagel. The reviews that say this place isn't like New York's bagels, get a life people. I've had some pretty crappy bagels in New York too. For DC, this place is as good as you get. They also have pizza at lunch which is pretty good for a grab and go slice in the area. Take cash, no credit card accepted here!
(5)
Jason F.
I recently moved to DC--our Nation's capital--from New York--our Nation's bagel capital. As an open bagel-a-holic, I anticipated suffering some serious withdrawal when I left NYC. Why? I couldn't believe that a decent bagel could be found below the Mason-Dixon Line. I thought that DC-metro-area bagel quality would be Dead Sea low. Itching for a fix, one day I decided to give Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a try. To my surprise, it wasn't pretty decent. Not as good as NY, but it'll satisfy my bagel craving for as long as I live in Arlington.
(4)
Derek H.
I went to this place at about 2:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon. It was like walking into a scene from Braveheart; just the bloody remains of a terrible battlefield. It was a surreal experience. Empty napkin holders, overflowing trashcans, war-weary staff, drained coffee canisters, syrup-starved soda machines... It looked like a hurricane had come through. Which is easy to understand when you consider this is the best bagel shop in the greater Arlington area and people, they love their goddamn bagels. I recommend it for that purpose alone. They have great homemade bagels, a nice variety of cold cut and breakfast sandwiches, and the usual ye ole bagel shoppe accompaniments (like decent coffee). There is nothing extraordinary here; just a solid joint that does what they advertise with very little fuss. It is too bad that Brooklyn Bagel is squeezed into that little strip of courthouse bars/restaurants there. If it was easier to get there via car, I'd make it a more routine destination. But then again, going by at 10 AM on a Sunday and I'd I have to say, I kind of doubt they're hurting for my business.
(3)
Patrick G.
I consider myself a lentil soup conniseur & they have some of the best (house made) I've ever had! I am addicted to theirs. I wish I could say the same about their rude/indifferent staff. It would make the experience more pleasant if they were more friendly. The lentil soup gets 5 stars, however, the staff only get 1 star. Sorry
(3)
David K.
I'm not an expert on bagels or New York or New York style bagels. But I do consider myself an expert on breakfast sandwiches having experienced fast food breakfasts at at least 15 fast food chains. I can safely say the sausage egg and cheese bagel on a jalapeno cheese bagel is the best I've ever had. I routinely drive across the county to wait in a huge Saturday morning line for this sandwich, and will continue too. Be aware that it will be very crowded at all times during the morning and weekends. There is limited seating inside, a bit outside, so take out makes sense. Often, they will have the bagel machine turned on so you can see how the bagels were made. This is also a pretty dog friendly location with the outdoor seating, and many local residents bring their dogs here while they enjoy the food. Note that it is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM on the premises. Also note that they spelled their own name wrong on the logo printed on the glass front door. For some reason I always get a kick out of this. I'm obviously easily entertained which is probably why my favorite movies are Captain Ron and Freddy Got Fingered.
(5)
Kristin W.
Definitely one of the best bagel spots in the DC area. Fresh, soft bagels in a variety of flavors and tasty cream cheese are available if you can brave the curt efficiency of the employees behind the counter.
(4)
Aaron P.
I can't speak to everything on the menu, but the toasted onion bagel with cream cheese makes me wish my flight home to California was delayed. Are bagels allowed as a carry-on?
(5)
Justin C.
Nicole was having a huge bagel craving after missing out on her office's free bagels which were of course brought in during Yom Kippur when she couldn't eat them. I decided to scan Yelp for somewhere not too far (I didn't feel like going into the city just for bread) with a good reputation and came upon BBB. We got there later in the day, around 2pm on a Sunday, so pretty much all of our first choices for bagel type were sold out. From the few remaining options I chose the jalapeno & cheddar bagel as the basis for my BLT+cheese. I was quite unhappy, and most likely would have given them 2 stars had Nicole not enjoyed hers and the fact we arrived so late. To me, the bagel tasted very little like either jalapeno OR cheddar, and was tough for this style of bagel. The cheese on the sandwich tasted just like those little slices in the plastic your mom used to put on your sandwiches, yuck. There was almost no bacon or tomato, so I wound up with essentially a lettuce and mayo sandwich. Also, the drinks from the refrigerator are not cold, so I suggest getting a cup of ice from the fountain machine.
(3)
Tu-van L.
Never actually stepped foot into the place, but the two times I've had bagels brought over from this place I've been impressed. The bagels are HUGE with the right ratio of chewy and crunchy. The first instance was half of a sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox. That half filled me plenty for my morning event. The second instance was an assortment of bagels with cream cheese and some lox. While the plain bagels were warm and chewy, the everything bagel was disappointing. As my favorite bagel flavor, the everything was hard and tough to chew with not much "everything" on it. Nevertheless both those bagels with the fixings were enough to fill me the entire day. If I'm in the neighborhood during the day, I'd definitely stop by for some other bagel sandwich options. Can only imagine how much bigger their sandwiches are with those HUGE bagels.
(4)
Jack F.
Not sure how Brooklyn Bagel Bakery ("BBB") stacks up against a real NYC deli but it certainly exudes the same NY attitude - impatient, entitled, and "what's it to you." BBB certainly has a huge morning following. The bagels are undoubtedly large and crusty (see Percy W.). Hygiene, however, might be questionable. When I purchased a pre-packaged container of cream cheese, it looked like it had already been used (knife marks), there was a short strand of hair on the bagels (not mine), and I even noticed a tiny bug. Individually, none of these instances would bother me but taken altogether, I'm having second thoughts. Bottom Line: Verdict is still out but I'm willing to try again. [Original Visit: November 14, 2010]
(3)
Brandi H.
I've only ever been here for breakfast. It's good, but it's not Brooklyn style. They don't have kaiser rolls available for breakfast sandwiches...ever hear of a Breakfast Special? It's a NY area signature, along with a Hungry Man Hero. They could easily make these if they had the bread. And even in NYC they don't rush the line like they do here.
(3)
JJ K.
As a former Jerseyan, I am very particular about my bagels. No snobbery here; those from the NYC area just have been spoiled. When I moved to the area several years ago and saw this joint, I silently scoffed at the name. But of course I had to test it out. My verdict? Authentic taste! I would not go anywhere else in the area for a bagel. Every time I have a bagel from here, I am taken back to my childhood in the armpit of America. Absolutely recommended!
(5)
Joseph B.
Where else would you go for a quick breakfast sandwich? Significantly better coffee and bagels than DD. The lunch menu is just as good...I think I ordered the Williamsburg so many times in the last 12 months it really would not surprise me if I turned into one. Great sandwich, worth the $6.
(4)
Andrew H.
I'm going to preface this by saying: I KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT WHAT MAKES A BAGEL AUTHENTIC OR NOT That being said, I really enjoyed this little place. I was in town on business for a week, staying at the Courtyard stop (not a whole lot going on there, honestly) I was looking for a breakfast place close to the hotel and ended up eating at this little hole-in-the-wall almost every day. Bagels had a good balance of tough and chew. I really liked the bacon, egg, and cheese bagels. Bacon had the perfect level of crispiness. Their OJ is REALLY good, and REALLY expensive ($2.50). The service is a bit...short...rude...and downright surly, but that didn't bother me *too* much. Also, be warned: THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY.
(4)
Alexandra M.
OVERVIEW: Ohmygod amazing! Best. Bagel. Place. They have great home-made bagels and bagel sandwiches, especially for some one who is hung over on a Saturday morning. It is a tiny place and it is CASH ONLY. The service is loud, fast, and totally awake, unlike I was. How does a bagel place get a 5-star rating? By having the best bagels, preparing bagel sandwiches fresh right in front of you with amazing/fresh ingredients, always being crammed full of hungry people ( a sure sign of a great food find), and totally satisfying/curing hangovers! That is how! A friend of mine took me here one Saturday morning (you know those days where you throw on sweats, glasses, and a ball cap? Yeah, one of those) because I said I just wanted an Einstein bagel or something. I am SO glad he brought me to this local gem instead. The place is basically a long row house with a counter running the length of it. They have tons of different types of bagels (made fresh) and once you've selected what you want (bagel with schmear or a sandwich etc) you basically follow your bagel down the assembly line counter and watch the guys behind the counter work their bagel magic. The servers and bagel magicians were pretty loud, and definitely trying to move the line along; some Yelpers said that this was a negative. I think it's great. It was a very fun experience. It definitely helped wake me up! It IS cash-only, but I have come to discover that almost ALL my favorite places in Arlington are cash-only.
(5)
Danielle M.
I'm from New Jersey where the bagels are excellent and these bagels are a close second. Although be aware that they only take cash.
(5)
Meghan B.
The bagels are absolutely delicious, and you can watch them make them while you eat. I had an egg and cheese on wheat with hot sauce and ketchup two days in a row because it was just that good. It's a small restaurant and always seems to be packed (especially on New Year's Day morning haha), but the line moves very quickly. The workers have a great system down. One thing I didn't like -- the first time I went I asked for lettuce and tomato on my bagel also, and somehow that led to an extra $1.50 charge. That seemed steep given that the egg and cheese is closer to $3.00 or $3.50 by itself. So, I would just order an actual sandwich bagel that already comes with some veggies on it if that's what you want to beat the extra charge.
(4)
Riley S.
Comme Ci, Comme Ça. Calling these New York bagels? Errr I don't think I can give them that title. No one can make NYC bagels except NYC itself, yes it's common knowledge but I figured reiterating it might make me feel better about spending money on a mediocre bagel and coffee. I went once, I might go back again but I don't have any intention on it. I ordered an asiago bagel with cream cheese, tomato, capers and onions - it was okay at best. There was the faintest trace of asiago in the bagel and definitely nothing to write home about. It was well organized military style ordering - the menu is above your head I suggest you be ready before they're ready for you! Tips: 1. It is cash ONLY - no credit cards are accepted. 2. It's a bagel joint, it's going to be cramped - take it home or post up on benches outside. There are plenty of places to eat in Courthouse, be creative. 3. The Bagel Nazis definitely live up to their name, just expect it and you won't be offended. 4. The coffee cups are weak - there is no barrier between your hand and the lava coffee you just poured.
(2)
Melissa F.
Five stars for NYC bagel authenticity. As a native New Yorker, this is where I go when I crave a bagel and cream cheese that doesn't need to be toasted to taste good. If you know neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll get an extra kick out of realizing that the names of the sandwiches are spot on (e.g., the Howard Beach for an Italian one with mozzarella, roasted peppers, etc.). As folks have mentioned, you should know what you want when you approach the counter. For some this may seem rude - to me it feels like home, and helps ensure that service is speedy. If you follow the rules, you'll actually find service to be friendly :) Ooh and try the fresh squeezed OJ - it's worth the price!
(5)
May T.
Seriously the best bagel I have ever had. Their everything bagel has toppings on the bottom of their bagel as well as the top. It's got airy pockets and it's perfectly chewy. Really no need to toast unless you're eating it a day or two old. I showed up 10 minutes before they opened and they didn't look the slightest bit annoyed. LOVE THEM.
(5)
Sandi W.
I love their custom sandwiches. Roast beef and provolone on wheat for me please! The ordering process can be a pain though. Most of the guys do not speak English and it can be hard to communicate your order at times. I kept telling one guy, DO NOT toast my bread over and over - huh? The guy next to him even relayed my message and he still didn't understand. As he was about to throw my bread in the toaster, I had to yell over the counter, NO TOAST! I hate having to do that... Otherwise, the sandwiches are good, generous, and cheap compared to other options in the area.
(4)
Ryan O.
This place is just awesome! If you like fresh New York bagels, this the place for you. Quick service, reasonable, and the best tasting bagels around. I'm a sucker for sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwiches. Basically eat one whenever I'm out on the road in the morning (or afternoon) and this by far the best I've had. Try one for yourself.
(5)
Kevin G.
This is what you expect of them: To deliver you a delicious bagel in little time, exactly as you ordered it. This is what is expected of you: Read the menu before you get to the head of the line and be prepared to order in a clear voice. They won't need you to repeat it, and they get it right the first time every time I've been there. If you can't do these things, expect attitude from the employees. What, princess? It's not like you were ever going to tip them anyway! Quid pro quo, Clarice. Be a douche and expect attitude in return. Oh, and CASH ONLY.
(5)
Tracy P.
By far the best bagel shop in the georgetown/arlington area. Amazing bagel sandwiches (egg, cheese sausage) all made to order and delicious. And they are FAST, that line move quick, and they have a nice seating area out front. Easy parking too. Only negative is cash only, but that is a minor inconvenience.
(5)
Joel S.
I recall a New Yorker edge to these guys a few years ago, but the past two days have been fine. The bagels are top notch. As far as this New Yorker is concerned you won't find a better bagel in the DC/VA/MD area. lots of bagel, spread, sandwich options make it all the better.
(4)
Dea A.
Chewy, large, properly made and delicious. They have a pile of brownies to take and secretly eat for an unhealthy mid-day snack.
(5)
Jen W.
As a New Yorker, I am a bit of a bagel snob but I must admit this is the best bagel I've found in this region. The only drawback is they don't accept credit cards but they do have an ATM in the place.
(5)
L S.
Granted, I didn't have a bagel, so I can't attest to those. I did have the Park Slope sandwich, which was ok, but the bread it was on was disgusting - it tasted like cardboard. I ended up just eating the middle of the sandwich (carb lite!) and throwing the 'ciabata roll' (their term, not mine) out. For a place that calls itself a bakery, you'd think they'd have better. Fingers crossed I like the bagels better.
(2)
Andrew G.
Legendary Arlington breakfast/lunch eatery. Super fresh bagels and breakfast sandwhiches. It can get very crowded on the weekends, but the lines move fast. Sausage Egg and Cheese and Sesame Bagel cannot be beat, and if nutrition wasn't a factor, I would eat here every morning.
(4)
M L.
It's all been said: good bagels, nazi ordering process, crowded, takes only cash. But good overall and now my go to place for bagel cravings. Did anyone mention they have lox? I enjoy lox. Try a bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers.
(4)
Serena B.
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. It was a Sunday morning, so crowds are to be expected, but it was pretty chaotic. To keep it simple, I had a sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese. That cream cheese was the most vile kind that I have ever had in my life. It was completely artificial in both taste and look- disgusting! The bagel wasn't anything to write home about either. I also noticed that several people were waiting for more coffee to be brewed as they were all out. Maybe it was an off day, but I thought it was terrible.
(2)
Autumn B.
I stumbled into this place driving down Wilson Blvd and I noticed a line out the door on a Saturday morning. I found a spot and moseyed in. They've got a broad selection of bagels and sandwiches they make for any meal. Since it was morning, I had a sausage, egg & cheese and it was divine! The BLT is wonderful, as are the bagels & lox, as I've discovered on subsequent visits. I've found its easiest to park in the courthouse parking lot rather than try to find street parking. This place is a great spot for breakfast on the weekend, though be prepared for crowds.
(5)
Billgrolic G.
Everything bagel, egg, cheese, some sort of breakfast meat. The best bagels I've had in the area. Had good lox here, as well. Be ready and sure of yourself when you place your order. The bagel guys behind the counter can smell fear (or how hungover you are).
(5)
Ampersand A.
If you glance through the reviews below, you'll notice words like "terse" and "surly" and "bagel nazis." I've always noticed how angry the staff seems to be. Yes, the bagels are good. They are too big for most toasters though, and are too big for the average adult. Portion inflation? So -- angry, terse, surly service, good bagels -- and some kind of weird family dynamic going on with the servers. Like the brothers are angry that people are talking to their sister, and the sister is really intimidated by the brothers, but still wants to serve the customers.
(3)
Gabriel B.
The bagels are better than any I've found in Northern Virginia, but the customer service is atrocious. I bought a cup of tea which was only filled half way with hot water. When I asked the cashier to finish filling the cup, I got a death stare before she did it. I certainly shouldn't be subjected to abuse to get what I paid for.
(2)
Kate T.
Bacon, egg & cheese on an onion bagel....the official hangover cure In my world. I LOVE this place (even if I'm not hungover haha). I love everything about it... They don't take cash, it's a tiny place, the staff is a little abrasive..I don't care I love it. Those guys can move! I timed it once on a Sunday morning and even though I was like 20 deep in line, I was in and out within 10 minutes. They have amazing sandwiches for lunch, fresh interesting bagel flavors, GREAT coffee and yummy spreads. Now I'm hungry...I think I'll go there for lunch!
(5)
Charlie T.
The best bagel sandwiches in town. Sausage, egg and cheese on everything.
(4)
Ron G.
The food here is simply awesome. Probably the best bagel spot in the DC area and the food doesn't disappoint. It can get a bit crowded at times but if you have the patience, you will be back again and again.
(4)
Jim B.
awesome bagels here. Maybe best I have ever had. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there is a huge line of extremely hungover people. Absolutely awesome egg sandwiches. Really miss this place...
(5)
Remy K.
The best bagels on the east coast. I was recently in New York city and went to one of the highest rated bagels stores, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery bagels were much better and much closer
(5)
Sonia R.
I got there every weekend the service is fast and there are many options for a yummy breakfast. They opened of Christmas and New Years day. I tried a few different bagels and my favorite is asiago. It is amazing! Their vanilla latte is very good too and better with a biscotti.
(5)
Lauren J.
Not NYC, but damn close. Kind of had the feel of a NYC bagel shop with 75% of the attitude. Seriously though, the bagels are great. The variety of bagel and cream cheese flavors are really good. The coffee set up area (cream, sugar, etc) was cramped and could have been more efficient. This is not NYC, but trying to get a packet of sugar in your coffee made it feel like midtown manhattan.
(4)
Hannah W.
This place has a long line in the morning, but fear not: the efficient staff behind the counter keep things moving pretty quickly. Also the bagels - crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside - are totally worth the wait.
(4)
John B.
Hmm. I hate this "neighborhood." But I guess this isn't the place for hate. So, well, the bagels are pretty good. And surprisingly, they're actually bagels (as opposed to overinflated mounds of insipid dough). Crunch and texture, which is more than I can say for most bagels in my old hometown (the bakery's namesake). I'm the kind of person who'd rather not hear about how epic your night was if I don't know you. If you're my kind of person, you probably won't want to dine on site. A surprising number of collegiate eye-rollers seem to feel that waves of Captain Morgan nausea are the perfect fodder for breakfast table conversation. Is this what the bagel has been reduced to? Sop up for your gross, loud hangover?
(4)
Bill G.
In Courthouse, you can't get a better breakfast sandwich. My recommendations, the french toast bagel and the jalapeno cheddar bagel, depending on your mood. Their lunch is also great, but i frequent for breakfast more often. as for the bagel nazi comments, i call BS. these guys are efficient. the can make a fresh breakfast sandwich from scratch with the speed and efficiency of a nascar pit tcrew. don't mess with their flow and know what you want when you order, and they will be polite and friendly.
(4)
Koko O.
It's Sunday morning, you unstick your face from the cold bathroom tile floor and unwrap your arms from around the toilet. You feel gross, dirty, and used. You glance in the mirror and wipe away the horror movie mascara streaks running down your cheeks. You're ravenous--everything you consumed in the last 24H has been expelled in the commode. You want, no you NEED something hot and greasy, stat! Thank Jesus Herbert Christ that Brooklyn Bagel exists! Change out of your Walk O' Shame clothes and drag your ass to this promiseland of bagels and pizza and sandwiches. However, be warned: 1. Cash Only; why else do you think they have that archaic ATM right at the entrance? 2. Long lines; this is because these bagel sandwiches are ambrosia and word gets out. Also, the line gives you time to scan the menu so as to avoid . . . 3. NO BAGEL FOR YOU! These guys are bagel nazis. Seriously. They run a tight ship, plus it shouldn't take a grown ass adult more than 90 seconds to know what kind of bagel s/he wants. They yell. Loudly. It's scarey. BBB makes their bagels in house--if you can find a seat in the joint then check out the poor guy charged with sticking his hands in that hot bagel water then shoving those puppies in the Hansel & Gretel oven. It borders on sweatshoppery but his painful screams translate to tastey cinnamon raisin bagels.
(5)
Daniel B.
For the DC area this is the closest you are going to come to the NYC experience (I have lived there and this place feels right). From the cash bias to the focused on efficiency employees (really, how nice to they have to be? Just get me my bagel and do it right, that is all I ask, in particular in the morning). Their salt bagels are great (though they often sell out) and overall their bagels are just right..... Now this review only applies to the bagels or the bagel sandwiches, since that is all I ever get here.
(5)
Galen W.
I went to Brooklyn Bagel Saturday morning for a quick, late breakfast. Was quite happy with my bacon, egg and cheese everything bagel. My girlfriend was equally pleased with her ham and cheese plain bagel. My coffee was fine as well, although nothing special. Service was quick despite a bit of a line when we arrived. The indoor seating is a bit cramped, but fine for a quick meal, which is what your getting here. Very noise when they are running the bagel making machine, but I did enjoy watching the process, as you can see through glass and watch them make the bagels. I'll definitely be stopping buy again when I'm looking for a breakfast sandwich.
(4)
Amanda B.
Big, fresh bagels. Lots of variety - french toast bagel, anyone? And great sandwich options with simple, fresh ingredients. They actually fry up the eggs for breakfast sandwiches right then. Definitely feels like you are in New York (attitude and all). But totally worth it. Also, it's really cool to watch them actually making the bagels from the dining area. If you can get a seat.
(5)
Keri M.
I love the smoked whitefish salad here. The salad tastes fresh, in the same way that hummus is best when you first open the container from the store. And it makes for a very filling sandwich. But my bagel wasn't that fresh. This place is a madhouse on weekend mornings, but they move you through the line very quickly.
(3)
Jonathan S.
This is a neighborhood staple for those in the Clarendon, Courthouse and Rosslyn areas (and I've heard of people coming from much further for their spectacular bagels). Like one of the earlier reviewers, I grew up in northern NJ and I'd consider myself a pretty accomplished authority on bagels. Compared to where I grew up, we live in the South (yeah I know, it's like the pretend South and it's full of carpetbaggers like me, but outside of chains like Bruegger's (which I don't care for) and Einstein Bros. (which is slightly better) you never find good bagels south of...I dunno...let's say Delaware. Certainly not south of the Mason-Dixon - and let's face it, we're in a state with a highway named after the president of the Confederacy). I don't know what it is about this place, but they hit the nail on the head. My dad always insisted that it's the local water that determines a good bagel (kind of like how the unique cocktail of yeasts in the air in San Francisco renders it the only air that can make their particular brand of sourdough). I don't know what it is, but it's working. They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and they use enough salt in the mix to make them taste right. They also slather on the cream cheese and provide generous helpings of lox (my usual). Don't hesitate to try the whitefish salad either, it's smoky and delicious. I took off one star because they have a tendency to mess up your order from time to time (and they can be a little pushy - see below references to the "soup-nazi" in earlier reviews). Also, I've noticed mold on the potato knishes they've had out on display in the past, and that's gross (but forgivable in my opinion, given the quality of their main product).
(4)
Mai K.
I am so glad that Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is close by. I miss a good bagel -- crusty on the outside, and mochi-mochi soft on the inside. There is nothing like a fresh bagel, though my waistline was happier without the unhealthy relationship with this carb.... Now that is over. I'm done. This wknd, I was seriously craving a bagel-and-lox with tomato, cucumber, and capers. And there it was, out of a dream, wrapped in wax paper and perfect. Friends were very happy with the blueberry bagel and shmears, too. Getting my carbohydrates on tomorrow before work, without apology.
(4)
Jeremy B.
Bacon. Egg. Cheese. Everything Bagel. Enough said, right? Well OK, I'll say a little more. This place is so jumpin that it can be a real turnoff. I'm here to tell you that you MUST wait through the lines, you've gotta let people behind you try and steal your bagel when they call it out, they're trying to steal it because they know everything here is so good it doesnt even matter if they get what they ordered, they just want it faster! An overcrowded place can be a killer for me, but this is one place I think you gotta fight through the crowded of still half drunk 20-somethings and get your fix. When it nicer I love sitting out on the sidewalk and just enjoying the morning.
(4)
Bryant W.
The best bagel in DC. I love the Everything Bagel with Lox. The only downside is they only take cash.
(4)
A A.
I'll keep this one simple, since there's not much to it. Definitely some of the best bagels in the area and there's a lot to choose in terms of bagel sandwiches. The prices seem reasonable and it's a good bang for your buck. I noticed they have a huge selection of juice choices in case you're a juice freak. It's annoying that it's cash only, but there's an ATM inside. Every time I've gone there has been a wait, as it is in the heart of Courthouse and that area is always busy. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you get there early enough. Not sure why anyone would go to any other bagel place with this in close proximity.
(4)
Matherine G.
Positive: Delicious bagel sandwiches. Probably the best we've had in the DC area. Located in a nice area in Arlington. Negative: The inside can be a bit cramped. We agree with several of the reviewers that this place is sort of a "don't chat, don't look, just order fast and get the hell out kind of process." Overall: Delicious bagels? Yes please! We enjoy coming here and will be back in the future.
(4)
Chuck W.
The rave reviews on Yelp compelled me to try this place out, and I suppose these guys now have a 'Soup Nazi'-like mystique to them. Frankly, at 9am on a Saturday morning, I wasn't really sure what all the hype was all about. I had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel that was supposed to be double-toasted, and wasn't. The price was decent, and it was just OK. I mean, how hard is it to mess up bacon, egg, and cheese? Anyways, I'd say it's a good alternative to Cosi and Corner Bakery in that section of Courthouse, but I'm not jonesing to go there every chance I get. I suppose I should mention it's cash-only, and get there early or else there's a huge line of hungover 20 and 30 somethings ready to get their bagel on.
(3)
Maggie H.
Best bagels ever! Get the warm chicken salad and provolone bagel on a multigrain. Get there early though--they sell out quick!
(5)
Anne B.
If I could rate the bagels alone, I'd give them 5 stars. You really get the true New York bagel experience when dealing with the guys behind the counter. Brusque for sure. Their pizza is okay, but I'm concerned about how long it sits on the counter neither heated nor refrigerated. Their tuna wraps are good, but nothing special. Decent prices. Smoothies are good, but expect to wait a bit to get one, unless you arrive at a particularly slow part of the day. The cash only deal is stupid. It makes the check out line take longer than it needs to.
(3)
Sarah B.
Definitely best bagel spot in the area. Sort of hilarious how surly the staff can be; almost like they are annoyed you are bothering them with your ordering of wonderful bagels. They pull it off though, because this place is the jam.
(4)
Maria Q.
I am from Brooklyn. These bagels are NOT!!! They have the consistency of cement and their crust is disgusting, unbrowned sesame bagels, yuck! I don't mean to be offense but seriously I am not sure how anyone could think these Bagels are good. Bethesda Bagel is much better or even Whole Foods.
(1)
Lauren R.
Brooklyn Bagel, where have you been all my life? Or at least the last two and a half years of it? I am stoked to finally find a place that serves my favorite food group, the insanely large NY bagel slathered with ridiculous amounts of cream cheese or stacked high with meaty goodness. Easily worth the drive to the other side of Arlington and even the fight to find parking... as far as I know, this is the only place of its type anywhere in the area. The BLT and tuna salad on everything were both awesome, but the toasted onion bagel with lox, capers, sliced red onions, and cream cheese was pure perfection - exactly what I yearn for. Yum. I'm afraid that this discovery is going to cause serious Saturday morning cravings from now on.
(5)
Allison G.
Authentic, delicious bagels in Arlington! Thank God, carb lovers unite. Tons of bagel flavors, lots of cream cheese choices, egg, meat, and cheese bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit sides, tons of drink choices, and fast, sassy service. Also got one of their salads to go and had it for lunch and it was fresh and flavorful as well. We go pretty much every weekend, along with every other 18-30 yr. old in Arlington. BRING CASH--that's my least favorite part. But at least it's affordable.
(4)
Scott G.
The bagels are excellent. I brought them into a meeting at work and people couldn't stop talking about them. There is one caveat, which is not an issue for me. If you've ever seen the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld, that will give you a good start. Come in, order your bagels, give them cash and leave. Don't expect to get chatty with the help, be humored if you have no idea what you want to order, or get a friendly smile if you want a dozen bagels, each prepared in a different way.
(5)
Michelle H.
The best bagels made locally. Not to soft or doughy, good selection of flavors.
(5)
Leese H.
Be aware that the bagels are somewhat dry. I come back because it's one of the few quick in-and-out breakfast places in the area. There's scattered seating in the back, and some open seating outside of store when the weather is warm. My favorite is the lox with tomato, red onions and capers. Great place for a fast carb-fix after a rough hangover.
(3)
Kara B.
Best bagel spot in the area! From breakfast sandwiches to the surprisingly delicious pizza bagel for lunch - it's worth a visit. It's incredible how the staff keeps all the orders going with the crowds on the weekends, but I've never seen them make a mistake. Note: Cash only. Seating is tight but there's high turnover.
(4)
Elina T.
Only bagel place in the DC area that serves authentic, NY-style bagels. I can judge 'cause I'm from Brooklyn! The bagels are always fresh (you can see the staff making them in the back) and, even though it's always packed in the mornings, they take your order very fast and never mess it up. I always get the bagel with lox and they give you a very generous portion of lox as well. Their sandwiches are very good also, I like the Coney Island. The owner is also really friendly and he works the line just like anybody else. He always recognizes us when we come in.
(5)
Larry F.
Having worked around the corner from this restaurant for almost three years, I stop in regularly at least twice a week - usually once for a bagel and cr cheese, and once for a sausage/egg/cheese sandwich. It is a very popular restaurant - there is usually a line at times you would expect, but there are plenty of staff and it goes very very quickly. The bagels are reminiscent of NYC...light and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and there are plenty of varieties always available. In addition to the normal selections, they also make a french toast bagel which you could easily eat without any additional topping. They sell a large variety of homemade cream cheeses. My favorites are the lox spread, maple walnut, and especially the garlic cr cheese. They offer a plain lite spread, but they could do well by offering other flavors in lite as well. Their breakfast sandwiches are decent, but I always have to remember to ask for salt and pepper...they can sometimes tend to be a little flat on flavor. Lunch sandwiches are decent as well, but I tend to stick with breakfast fare at this establishment. The one drawback is they only take cash.
(4)
Angela M.
Best bagel place ever!
(5)
Geoff P.
I don't care about how authentic they may or may not be; all I know is that the Brooklyn Bagel makes my favorite bagels in the DC area! The egg and cheese bagel sandwiches are excellent as well. While the staff may sometimes be a bit terse during the late morning rush, I find them to be very efficient and accommodating as long as you are prepared to order and are understanding that it can get very busy on weekend mornings.
(5)
Jess M.
Best sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel you can get in town! The service is friendly and to the point, the atmosphere is always busy. Credit cards aren't accepted here, so don't forget your cash!
(4)
Scott B.
Visiting from out of town. Did a quick Yelp and found BBB was the place for bagels. Indeed, the reviews were correct and I'm glad I went with an everything bagel. The strawberry cream cheese was a little disappointing, as it was pink with little strawberry flavor. Coffee is good and enjoyed watching the bagels being made as I ate. Give it a try...
(4)
Frank W.
A snug place to grab food with friends. The food is nice and the guys in this store are friendly.
(5)
Ryan F.
After a raucous night out, most weekend mornings I'm feelin a bit less spry than I usually do. After waking up and completing the 3 S's I like to mosey my way into Brooklyn Bagel for some dank doughy deliciousness. The bacon, egg, and Cheese is my path the enlightenment and a more pleasant day. Sure the bagel folk are a bit surly (except the cute cashier), but you're probably being an retard holding up the line. So don't hold up the line, we all need our goddamn bagels! Don't make me have to choke a bitch!
(5)
Cameron T.
The bagels were pretty good, but anyone who thinks they are totally authentic NY bagels has never lived there. Something about the consistency was not quite right, but they were still yummy! I really liked the Everything bagel. Great flavor, without going crazy on the garlic or onion. The blueberry bagels were just okay. Not a whole lot of blueberry flavor, kind of bland. Hated the strawberry cream cheese. The bright pink coloring caught me off guard and had a slight artificial taste to it. Lined moved very fast and I guess i got lucky because the guy who took my order was super nice! Overall, it's not perfect but good enough to be a regular spot for a bagel craving.
(3)
Paul W.
I live right behind this place so I come here often. This is a dependable place to get fresh bagels made from scratch, but I personally think the prices are WAY too expensive. I actually give them 3.5 stars, because they're food is fresh, reliable, and good. However, nothing really stands out as incredible.
(3)
AgentxAngel X.
Meh. The bagels left me very underwhelmed.
(3)
Alena C.
Delicious, authentic bagels with yummy cream cheese and awesome sandwiches. My boyfriend and I are obsessed with this place - we come here pretty much every weekend, along with all the other yuppie Arlington couples. Don't let the lines deter you, they do move very quickly (other Yelpers who likened this to the Soup Nazi are right on). We never have a problem finding seating, and we particularly like sitting by the window where we can view rows upon rows of bagels on conveyor belts -- it's strangely hypnotic. My favorite bagel sandwich here is the one with hummus and sprouts. It leaves me stuffed and ready to hit the nearby flea market. My only complaint is not taking plastic -- isn't it time to enter the 21st century? I hate paying the ATM fees!
(5)
Hannah B.
The best place for NYC bagels! I haven't ventured past the basic egg and sausage on a bagel but they have tons of options. They get a line but they know how to keep it moving...Just remember to bring CASH!
(4)
Michael B.
Maybe it was the high expectations. Or maybe it was the mediocre bagel. Nevertheless, I ate a tuna melt. And left rather unsatisfied. I think the bagel was too doughy. I think that is it. Since its SO CLOSE to my apt., I am EXTREMELY disappointed.
(2)
Vicki M.
The bagels here are excellent, as are the toppings. My particular favorite sandwich is the lox and cream cheese, with red onions, tomatoes, and capers on an "everything" bagel. The breakfast sandwiches are also tasty and fresh, and use real eggs. The only downside is the pretentious yuppie crowd, 90% of which work in the "consulting" industry . Also, the coffee is only so-so (and they are always out of milk/half and half), but the food more than makes up for it.
(5)
S S.
First, the food: Meh-. It's just not that good, nor is it memorable. Well, I guess I will remember the awful fruit cup that had 2 grapes, one piece of pineapple and a whole bunch of flavorless honeydew melon. Second, the service: Somewhere between surly and standoffish. Third, the payment method: Cash only is pretty lame, especially when there's no sign posted saying that it's cash only. But hey, they do provide an ATM right by the register so you can, you know, pay an extra $1.50 for your food because you assumed they'd be technologically up to date for 1995. Fourth, the drinks: $0.50 for soda refills? That's tackier than...well....something that's really tacky. It's actually hard for me to think of something tackier that a fast food restaurant could do.
(1)
Lucas K.
I just don't understand the draw of this place. It's always packed and I can't figure out why. The staff is always extremely rude (think: Soup Nazi-like). Don't even dare trying to engage any of the people behind the counter in conversation. They never have what I want to order and post things on their menu just to tell you that they don't offer them on weekends!? Very little seating in or out. Seems like many people on the weekends just go sit at California Tortilla's tables. I will give them credit for making their bagels on-site, but I find them small and again, lacking in selection. CASH ONLY: C'mon get with the times.
(2)
Amanda C.
Soft and doughy, just the way I like them! A very reasonably-priced place to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and fresh-squeezed OJ. We love going here on Saturday mornings and then walking over to the Courthouse Farmers Market.
(5)
Travis P.
Best Bagels in DC area!
(5)
Brian J.
love the bagels. hate the bagel nazis. i don't mind the crowds. the bagels are delicious, so it's worth the wait...right? maybe not. i get it. you have to keep the line moving, especially during peak hours. but all the yelling, screaming, glaring, talking trash, and just general shit attitudes all the employees have are really unnecessary... there are a million better ways to keep the line moving than their bagel nazi style. and don't tell me you buy into their "brooklyn" attitude nonsense - they're not that smart, and they're definitely not new yorkers. these guys and their attitudes have more in common with the dump i took this morning than they do a proper brooklyn bagel joint. i'd rather go somewhere with bagels slightly less good than deal with these dickbags anymore. the entire experience takes away from the seemingly simple task of just enjoying your bagel.
(1)
Colin L.
Ok, I got lucky on parking and pulled right up to the place. It's not easy to spot the first time you drive by. I'm from Texas, but the NY coffee shop there makes the bagels that I love the most. My dad is from Brooklyn and he goes there everyday. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes bagels in the same style, which I believe is the best tasting. This place takes NY bagels and gives them new lives. Bagels become sandwiches, and tuna melts become delicacies. Never have I ever had a better Tuna Gouda melt. I also had the Coney Island, which was awesome. The chicken was big and juicy, and the peppers and onions were many and spicy. Recommend this to your friends who aren't bagel lovers. But why would you go there if you don't love bagels? Well, it's a good restaurant anyways. Back to the basics, they do Bagels justice. I'm going to show up to work on my first day with a bag full of bagels.
(5)
Ryan S.
When I'm walking by there in the morning on an empty stomach, I can't help but be drawn to it. Freakin' great breakfast bagel sandwiches. My staple is the bacon-egg-cheese on everything bagel. Coffee isn't great, but good enough. Tip: Often their coffee is too hot, but adding just 2-4 ice cubes from the soda fountain will make it cool enough to drink (but still quite hot). There are several reasons I can think of to dock it a star. Staff is typically gruff. I've seen exceptions (yesterday the cashier was unprecedentedly friendly to an old woman who was taking forever to find her wallet in her purse). Much of the gruffness is due in large part to keep the line moving (nearly always a line, which moves quickly, during peak hours). One more tip: If you want the full selection of bagels, don't come late. They WILL run out of lots of bagels.
(5)
Matt D.
They have the best bagels I have ever tasted, hands down. They bake their bagels fresh every day, so its pratically impossible to get a stale bagel from this place. All of their bagels are jumbo size, no mini bagels here. There are non-stop long lines on the weekends. It doesn't really matter if you show up at 10 in the morning or 1 in the afternoon. Don't be discouraged about the long lines, they move quickly. The guys that run the place are all business. I was a little annoyed that they don't take credit cards, but its a minor issue.
(4)
Rachel E.
**CASH ONLY** There is an ATM in the bakery. My egg and cheese on sesame bagel was very good, nicely toasted with some veggies on it. I'm picky with chai, but Brooklyn's vanilla chai was rich and yummy. There's also a chocolate chai that I want to try next time. Parking can be tricky, but there is a small lot in the back. I was there on Sunday and didn't have problems finding a spot, but it was very busy.
(4)
Meaghin K.
I go here about once a month for a weekend bagel: one of their delicious cream cheeses on blueberry or chocolate chip. My favorite bagel though is by far the chicken salad on multigrain or whole wheat. Add a side of chips and a Nantucket Nectar and that's just about a perfect lunch. They are cash only and you need to have your order ready ahead of time--they like to move you through!!
(4)
David D.
Completely GREASY bagel egg sandwich. DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!! The quality is a near equivalent to McDonalds egg bagel... if you want the grease, save the money and go to McD.
(1)
Justin E.
This place is great for breakfast or lunch. They only accept case though.
(4)
Dian C.
I went early one morning to pick up a bunch of bagels to bring into work. I knew they were good when a coworker commented, "Now those are the real deal." I went at 7am so there was no line. The bagels are probably slightly more expensive than elsewhere, but in my opinion totally worth it.
(4)
Jon B.
Went for the first time last week after reading the reviews. Interestingly I used to live between Rosslyn and Courthouse, but never stopped in to get the food. I had a bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and tomato. The service was pretty good (it was empty at the time..11 am on a Wednesday), and the sandwich was good.) I should note that it did not seem as greasy as a lot of breakfast sandwiches tend to be. I also had an iced coffee which I thought had good flavor. The bagel itself seemed to be a very good flavor and taste. Was very plump and properly cooked as it is supposed to be. I plan on coming back to get some more bagels to go (I am a pumpernickel fan to the max and also want to try their "everything") as well as making it a normal stop when people are in from out of town that love good eats. I think it is locally owned and operated and not a chain which to me makes it even better to support it. Local places that serve bad food can go away and die, but how can't you love the little guy who makes big taste?
(4)
Valerie K.
Love Brooklyn Bagel.. go here for my monthly bagel craving. Cream cheese/lox bagel is awesome.
(4)
Lyndsey T.
As a Jersey native (No, I don't know Snooki or The Situation...) I'm a self-proclaimed bagel snob. So much so that I usually don't even bother eating bagels down here and my only other bagel review on Yelp is my favorite bagel place in NJ. That being said, I have officially given the seal of approval to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. It's obviously not on the same level as NJ/NY bagels, but I thoroughly enjoyed my toasted everything with cream cheese, lox and capers. The bagel itself was just chewy enough and the toppings were generous but not over the top. Can't wait to try an egg & cheese sandwich, though I'm guessing they probably don't have taylor ham. Oh well - I go home every few months for a reason! Service was no-nonsense but I was in and out in under five minutes at noon on a Saturday. Well done, BBB!
(4)
Jen K.
Authentic, delicious, and not super over-priced. I am obsessed with their strawberry cream cheese and every flavor of bagel I've tried. These were a win at the office, too.
(5)
Zac H.
Homemade fresh bagels, great lox and whitefish salad. I try and get here every weekend if possible!
(4)
Jon K.
They make the bagels in front of you. How old am I? They also have a french toast bagel. Enough said. Great spot for a Saturday morning visit but don't plan on sitting down as it's small inside.
(4)
Adam F.
Best Bagels in the DC area!!!!!!
(5)
Joan G.
Hailing from the south I can't claim to know good bagels, but I would be very surprised if these were not! I love the chewy texture under the crunchy surface. The cream cheese is so much better than store bought and the price is excellent. The staff is polite. If you think they are rude you are taking too long. Part of Brooklyn bagel's positives is that you get in and get out very quickly with exactly what you wanted. If you are irritated about the cash only thing, get over it. Credit cats agreements are expensive for small places. There is a bank across the street and an ATM in the store. Just bring cash. Lastly, in my opinion, the crowning glory. The whitefish salad. I've spent the last 3 years of my life tracking down good whitefish salad since my first exposure to it. This is the best I've had in the area. Not too moist, perfectly salty, and lots if it!!
(5)
Wendy W.
My family and I have come at least 1-2 times a year and it has yet to disappoint. The BAGELS are AMAZING. I personal feel there's just enough chewiness, although it may be more chewy than a New York bagel. The price point is very reasonable, especially for their breakfast bagel sandwich. Yesterday I got a spinach bagel with egg, cheese and salami. Honestly I could have had two more with the bagels being that fresh. My preschoolers love the bagels and my in-laws who are French love it too, which says alot. My goal is to try different offerings to get a better sense of the overall quality, but at the same time why as bagels are the no-brainer choice I really enjoy watching the bagels being made through the windowed production facility. Staff has been always friendly and efficient, although this time, not sure if there were some new associates in the mix, but my gentleman literally had to ask me four times what breakfast bagel sandwich (and I only gave two orders). Then I wonder, maybe I didn't speak clearly enough, so as C.P.S. stated,"Pick out what you want, speak [VERY] clearly [and not too fast]..." They are opening another location in Rosslyn. I don't know when.
(5)
Kelly S.
Through five years of dc area breakfast evaluations, I now rule that BBB has the best bagels in the area. Why do I have to go to Courthouse to get the best bagel? This is wrong. Kinda stinks that they're cash only, but not worth jacking one of their stars. Bagel rankings: 1)BBB, 2)So's Your Mom, 3)Bagels & Baguettes, #57,682)Bagels Etc RIGHT NEXT TO MY APARTMENT sigh-
(5)
Jim Z.
It's been a few years since I came back this morning and either the food quality has gone down or my taste buds are more refined. The everything bagel lacks any flavor and a crisp crunch that a good bagel has when you bite into it. I'm fairly certain the fresh squeezed OJ is really just tropicana in a cup. I'd suggest going elsewhere for a breakfast but I'm not sure where else to go. Don't expect a lot coming here though
(2)
nathan g.
i've just read the last 47 reviews, and it seems nobody's looking at anyone else's write-up. so, do i understand that credit cards are welcomed here? is that right?
(3)
Arlene T.
Absolutely the BEST bagels in NOVA!!! Great selection, and very efficient staff.
(5)
Sarah K.
Kenny D and I stopped here early on a Saturday morning before a volunteering gig. I had never been here before but I figured, how can you mess up a bagel? Well, I think i will go to Dunkin Donuts next time b/c I was not impressed. The staff were unfriendly, the coffee was gross and the bagels were hard with a stingy amount of cream cheese. The bill was over $11 for the two of us and we both had only bagels and coffee. There have to be places in the area that do bagels better than this...
(2)
C.P. S.
Best Breakfast Bagel in this city. Egg, Cheese, onion or meat... its fantastic and is about the only thing that will cure a night out in Adams Morgan. Wash it down with a Vitamin Water or a coffee. The staff will remind you of Seinfeld's soup Nazi. Pick out what you want, speak clearly and direct and slide to the right. Other than that, the place is cool. And who could blame the staff when you have a steady line past noon of hungover coeds who doesn't make decisions like plain or sesame. Bring cash cause they don't take CC and the ATM inside has ridiculous fee considering you only want $5 for breakfast. The sandwiches are hit or miss in the afternoon, but the main attraction is of course bagel sandwiches. Enjoy!
(5)
Ross R.
Brooklyn Bagel is a regular Saturday morning stop for us. A simple bagel joint. They have indoor seating for perhaps 20 and outdoor seating for maybe 10. They do the basics of bagels really well. These are the best bagels in DC, better than Bagel City in Rockville or the bagel place on M St.
(4)
Mary S.
Excellent bagels! The maple walnut cream cheese is required (for me), sooo good. Don't get the fruit containers, not very good quality.
(5)
Genny P.
Been going here for years. Some of the best bagels in the area. Authentic bagels - boiled and chewy - not just baked bread in the shape of a circle. Yes, the place is high volume and the staff is no nonsense - but they are quite friendly and courteous. The food is great. Today was the humus bagel that was delicious. Even when there is a line (and there is always a line - very popular place), you can get in and out in a decent time. The coffee is quality. A true NY experience. Go here every chance we can.
(5)
M M.
I haven't been for breakfast, which seems to be the main draw here, but the lunch here features some classic sandwiches. The hot sandwiches are pretty good- I generally get the pastrami or turkey reuben, which is sloppy and on bread that is a wee bit too small, but good. I have to take off major points for their lunch time catering though, the cold sandwiches are invariably soggy breaded blandness. They feature Lavazza coffee and you can buy a good sized bag o' beans, although it's hard to tell how fresh it is. It is a cash only place- they have an ATM, but it is a fee laden affair and not always workin.
(3)
Ben C.
Best bagels in DC/NOVA. Super cheap meal. Excellent quality. Busy as all hell. Cash only but there is an ATM on premise. Sandwiches other than bagels are great too. Always have fresh fruit, wide selection of beverages, and tasty coffee. The guys behind the counter work quickly but don't take this the wrong way. If it is quiet when you are there they are super friendly. I could eat 3 meals a day here.
(5)
Mariel W.
I have been to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a number of times. I love the bagels, despite feeling like I'm in the soup-Nazi episode of Seinfeld when I'm ordering/paying for my food (cash only). But I think that air of rudeness is a cute, authentic NY part of coming here. My last time, was when I was sitting in the back of the building, next to the window where you can watch them make bagels (very cool!)...one of the workers was sweeping up and emptied the dust pan rather haphazardly into the trash can sitting DIRECTLY beneath the bagel conveyor belt. I could see the dust/dirt land on the belt (as it was going) and into the dough bagels. Not two minutes later, another worker emptied a dust pan of liquid of some sort in the same messy manner, also getting it onto the belt. Eww gross. I'll admit though, I did finish my bagel (it was good!), figuring that any bad germs probably get fried when the bagels are cooked. I was rather loud when I said, "Eww, he's throwing the dirt out and it's getting onto the bagels." I'm pretty sure the worker heard. Hopefully they've moved the trash can since.
(2)
bahareh t.
I am at this very moment eating my first bagel from Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and it is delicious!! I walked over this morning got a dozen bagels (the service was super quick and helpful!) and brought them home and had to have one immediately because they smelled so good. They have a nice selection of bagels, including chocolate chip which I'm very excited to try, and lots of bagel sandwiches that looked delicious on other people's plates. I will return often. You should go too!
(5)
Justin L.
I reserved judgment my first time here, and have since been back about three times to make sure it wasn't an off day, but I have to say the bagels themselves are just not anything special at all. I come in the morning, when the bagels should be at their freshest and they are often misshaped, mushy and not particularly fresh. Their bagel breakfast sandwiches are bog standard, nothing to complain about and nothing to praise either. The service is quick and efficient (in true NY style), and they do have a great selection of extras like fruit and muffins. The prices are also significantly lower than their competitors in the area, but this is cancelled out by the fact that they are CASH ONLY which is pretty ridiculous and inconvenient.
(3)
Melinda S.
The first 2 times I went to Brooklyn Bagel for "NY Bagels" I thought this place was great - perfect NY bagels But today I was very disappointed ... bagels were way too doughy And very few poppy seeds Plus the line was long - and when I inquired whether I needed to stand in the line for prepared food - I was told yes - and others were getting in front of me to buy their bagels. They were rude and not friendly ... It was also almost $10 for 6 bagels and a small creamcheeze - a bit pricey! I'm not sure I will every go back ... especially since the bagels were not up to par ... Anyone know of any great NY bagels joints - other than The Bagel up in Tysons?
(3)
Laura H.
Okay, this isn't H&H, but these are really tasty bagels for Arlington, VA. I particularly like the cinnamon raisin and the salt varieties, but there are a ton of flavor options as long as you get here before noon. Bagels are less dense than the typical chain restaurant variety, i.e. "new york style." One thing I especially like about the store is the bagel and spread only express line... it really cuts down the wait time and since I've come here right after a long run... it also keeps me from getting too cranky. All of the egg sandwiches look delish, so I will be trying one soon... A small patio seating area adds to the charm.
(4)
Joye P.
Last weekend I was there before noon and got an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese. It was very good. My only complaint is that the bagels are large and doughey. So you New Yorkers, who prefer the smaller, lighter bagel may be disappointed. However, the goods are fresh and are prepared quickly. The bread was of good flavor. It's a popular place, and one of the better places in the Courthouse area to get a fresh bagel. I recommend.
(4)
J W.
Great bagels and even better if you get that bagel sandwich with egg.cheese.meat. Be prepared to know what you want. You feel like you walked in to the Seinfeld episode with the soupnazi. Tip- if you drive, take a friend and park right out front while they man the car. Or take extra time to park and on Saturdays you can also visit the farmer's market across the street.
(5)
Taylor G.
My favorite bagel place in my 'hood. I should really try to go more often. Anyhow, great bagels and good coffee. They're pretty quick. The one annoying thing is that they're cash only.
(4)
Tsvetomir H.
Bay ridge bagel sandwich is the bomb. They bake all their bagels on the premises which are over 9 kinds. The only inconvenience is that they accept CASH ONLY. So if you have plans to get a breakfast sandwich and coffee there grab a few dollars on your way there.
(4)
Ross M.
quick tastey bagel, i'll be going back.
(4)
Rachael D.
You know, I heard this place was good, so I went to check it out, but I just really wasn't that impressed. I got an iced soy latte and a bagel with tuna salad on it. Enjoyed the latte, but the bagelwich tasted weird. I threw away half of it uneaten. I later ended up getting pretty sick. Now admittedly, I don't have the strongest of stomachs, but this seemed a bit too coincidental. I'll probably go back for the coffee and the bagels with cream cheese in the future, but I'll avoid their 'home-made' salads in the future.
(2)
geeyore g.
Just back from a 7:15AM Sunday morning run to Brooklyn Bagel. It is the best place around DC. I lived in Boston 10+ years and frequented a few great Jewish bagel bakeries in Brookline, Newton Center, Natick, and elsewhere. Not chain store "McBagels" joints (e.g., Chesapeake and even worse Einstein) but Ma and Pa bagel bakeries that offered bagels, maybe bialys, cream cheese, maybe lox, and that's it. Brooklyn Bagel does have a "sandwich" bar and it allegedly is packed but I wouldn't know because in four years I've NEVER used it. not once. And I never will. Nope, I go to Brooklyn Bagel for one thing and that is bagels. That's it. They have the standard variety that you'd find in any decent bagel bakery - onion, poppy seed, sesame, egg - and these are very good bagels - not quite New York or even Boston but they are nonetheless very good and from what I've seen the best in Northern VA or DC or Maryland (including along Rockville Pike). They also have the standard (but again very decent) selection of cream cheeses including scallion, vegetable, garlic, and lox spread. I usually get a 1/4 or 1/2 pound order of lox as well. For those who want bagels and bagels only (plus cream cheese ) there is a speedy "bagels only" line and cash register right inside the front door and next to the fridge. So grab some cash from the ATM lined up on the wall, order your 1/2 or 1 dozen bagels, grab a container of cream cheese, and you are good to go. If you want a sandwich, go to Quiznos. This is a pretty decent bagel joint.
(5)
Sheila D.
Definitely the best in the area....you can tell from the line out the door on weekend mornings!
(5)
SuperMoi F.
ahh the perfect city bagel shop. people sitting outside all of the restaurants...walking distance to everything arlington...and ummm...my FAVORITE bagel (aside from smoked salmon) is white fish...oooh they are very good. and all the buzz from people sitting and the long line...ahhh what fun is it w/ out all that. best of all by the time i roll out of bed on a sunday morning and make my way there...1:30 2:30...they are still there. and i love the bagel machine thingy on the other side of the glass.
(5)
J S.
My wife and I watched while the manager (owner?) who works the front picked two Everything bagels off the filthy floor from under a piece of equipment and threw them into the bin to be taken up front for sale to an unsuspecting customer...disgusting! Maybe he figures no one will notice a few extra mouse droppings on an Everything bagel? I realize you take a chance by eating out, having had friends work in commerical kitchens I've heard the stories, I'm not usually that picky either, as I enjoy camping and don't mind eating a few bugs at times, but this experience was a real turn-off for what could be a great place to eat. I didn't realize the margin was so thin on bagels as to tempt someone in charge to do this stupid and irresponsible thing. Until we witnessed this event, we enjoyed going there for great tasting bagels. We did wonder about sanitary conditions because they store bins of bagels underfoot, beneath the machine that forms the dough into rings. I'm sure raw residue from uncooked dough comes off the that belt running above the bins. We watched while a worker transferred bagels out of the storage bin to a smaller bin to take up front for sale (bare hands that handle raw dough, no gloves). In the process he inadvertedly knocked two bagels out of the back of the bin onto the floor underneath the equipment. There was all manner of grit and grime as to be expected on the floor of a commercial kitchen. This is also an old building with paint flaking off the floors, back underneath the machines where it obviously is not cleaned daily. What was surprising was it was the man who is obviously in charge of the shop, not the employee who did this stupid thing. We then watched as the manager bused tables and picked trash off the floors, used napkins, etc. before going back behind the counter to resume serving food without washing his hands. What a shame, an otherwise great place to get bagels. Just bring your cast iron constitution, you may need it.
(1)
Mari V.
I was chowing down on a pretty good bagel with lox that felt like it may have even been worth the effort of getting cash out and waiting in that ridiculous line... Until I found a clump of hair stuck to the second half of my bagel. Commence dry heaving. Not coming back here again.
(2)
Herman B.
I didn't realize this place was CASH ONLY until my dad and I got to the register. We took an item off our order (it hadn't been made yet), but still didn't have enough cash. My dad had to go down the street to his bank's ATM. We weren't going to use the ATM they conveniently placed in their store. Thinking this was an oversight on my part, I scanned the restaurant for "Cash Only" signage but didn't see any inside or on the front windows. We will not be returning. Also, the blueberry and chocolate chip bagels were extremely salty.
(1)
Ryan K.
Best bagel in DC - don't take credit cards so have the cash ready and I always recommend to try the French toast bagel at least once (even if you're not really a sweets person it's definitely worth a try). Also, get there early - otherwise you'll be waiting with all the hungover 20 something's from the Courthouse / Clarendon area.
(5)
Blake S.
Update city... I've been back a few times since my last review and I confess the bagels are probably the best in the DC area. I must have been on my period at the time of my last review. The lox portions still err on the side of small but I've moved on to the bacon egg and cheese which is delicious! The iced coffee is good too and helps with my morning poop. I'll be back soon.
(4)
Carl S.
This place is alright. If you're somebody who thinks that food like bagels and pizza are inherently different in New York, then perhaps you'd have a better experience. It's not bad, for what it is. I only have two real complaints: 1. It's cash only (is this a hipster thing these days?) 2. The cashier was not very friendly. She wasn't rude, but clearly did not want to be there.
(2)
Audrey R.
The bagels are really good here. The place is nice and clean, and the staff is great.
(5)
Ed F.
If one orders a "jalapeno cheddar bagel with cream cheese" isn't it reasonable to expect the bagel will have jalapenos and cheddar somewhere in it? And isn't it also reasonable that there will actually be cream cheese on it sufficient to see without a magnifying glass? If you ask these questions to the staff at this bagel shop, their answer will be: "NO!" the bagels across the street are better and cheaper.
(1)
Joseph S.
My favorite breakfast spot near Courthouse when I'm looking for a quick bite. Friendly staff, in house baked bagels. Cash only but they have an ATM.
(5)
Kevin K.
Lox, onion, egg on everything was nothing to write home about. Oh and cash only, boo.
(2)
Josh S.
Pros: Love their bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Lots of variety with 15+ types of bagels and tons of great toppings. Very fast service and good prices. Really convenient location across from Courthouse Metro. Cons: They are cash-only(insane!). They often run out of my favorite kinds of bagels so get there early as they are made fresh daily.
(4)
Chelsea H.
Make sure you bring cash!!! I didn't read all the comments before coming but luckily I had cash on me. The food is amazing! Real, homemade bagels not the bread shaped like a bagel. Fruit salad was very good and fresh. The service was also great we were in and out on a busy Saturday morning. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Sylvie S.
Best bagel joint in NoVA. Stopped by on a beautiful weekend morning to grab some breakfast. I think all of Arlington had the same idea! Line was out the door and it was cray on the inside. Stood in line and snaked around until I could yell my order at one of the guys behind the counter. NY lox on everything bagel, of course. Everything bagel had good flavor and was closest to a NY bagel I've had in DC. Lox definitely hit the spot! Grabbed some of the fresh squeezed OJ as well. Fo sho they squeezed some sweet oranges! FYI: CASH ONLY. There is a Bank of America ATM around the corner and also an ATM in the shop that you can use while in line.
(5)
Justin B.
Pretty good bagels. Spreads taste good, but definitely not enough. Try to go a little heavier on the creamcheese/butter or whatever I order on my bagel. Service is quick. It's cash only here. Guys, get a merchant services terminal, this is ridiculous. Your ARM is not convenient. Overall, I'd recommend it, but I would come more often if the bagels had more spread on them and cards were accepted.
This place is a community fixture, if you go on a weekend morning, you can expect long quick moving lines, limited seating and the fast pace feel of a busy NY style deli. I got the bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon on sundried tomato bagel, Aubs got tomato and cream cheese on a whole wheat bagel. The egg was a generous size, the cheese was a kraft single equivalent and the bacon was plentiful enough that it appeared in every bite. I've gotten this before and I would get it again. Aubs enjoyed her sandwich as well, the portions were adequate, the bagel was not as soft as she would have liked. Bottom line, this place delivered and met our exceptions, no wow factor but a good experience none the less.
(4)
Rach A.
This bagel place is pretty great! I got the multi-grain bagel with lox, onions, and capers--it was delicious! The lox tasted fresh and there was a sufficient amount of cream cheese. My only complaint is that they only put the cream cheese on one side of the bagel, so you cannot split it up to eat it and you have to eat it as a sandwich. Unfortunately, they ran out of the whole wheat bagels, given that I went on a Sunday afternoon that is understandable, but be forewarned! I also tried their mocha which was pretty good and did not have a ridiculous amount of sugar like a few other bakeries. Warning, CASH ONLY! This was another reason I did not give the bakery five stars--- who carries cash nowadays?
This has become our staple in Courthouse after a night out. Always crowded, never a long wait, and the bagels are on point. I always go for the jalapeno-cheddar since it wakes me up :) Take advantage of your wait in line to figure out your order since they definitely keep the line moving. Only gripes: cash only, and I could do without the cashier lady rolling her eyes when I order coffee with my bagel (Maybe someone else should help her out?). Small price to pay for a consistently great breakfast.
(5)
Kristina V.
Sooo, coming from NJ/NY I was on the search for a bagel (a real bagel). I know that I've been spoiled coming from where I came from (I mean there's nothing like a bagel in NY). I came here with my boyfriend and his friend this past weekend and we each got everything bagels (not planned). I got egg and tomato on mine and they both got bacon egg and cheese. The bagel was perfect! It was crispy (the shell) but soft at the same time. So very tasty. SO tasty that I inhaled mine without taking any photos like I meant to do! We sat in the back and got a show at the same time. You see them making the bagels and the whole process that goes along with it - I think that part is a nice touch of Brooklyn. It's cash only (which I knew but then forgot of course). There's a bank across the street in case you forget too. Enjoy!
(5)
M W.
My biggest advice: bring cash!!! It is amazing how many times I have walked in here over the past two months and forgot. They have an ATM but there is no need to get charged taking money out when there are many banks nearby (though I do it, every. single. time...) I typically order a bagel with eggs and cheese, and it comes out hot and delicious. On weekends, it can be annoying with the lines of hungover people from Clarendon (and very little seating) -- but overall, not many negatives. The people taking the order are no BS and move quickly, which I appreciate. And one of the cashiers -- I need to learn her name -- always has a smile and is fantastic, which goes a long way. Try it.
(4)
Benslie B.
Bagels are good (not incredible) and the line moves quickly, but they are verrry frugal with their cream cheese. Suggest getting two bagels and a to-go container of cream cheese. And they only take cash!! So remember to bring that.
(3)
Bella J.
Let's get to the point: Bagels are on the large size, not the best, but better than the ones we can get in NC (took a dozen home to freeze) and judging by the crowd, best ones in their town too. The poppy and sesame bagels are dressed as you would think, but their version of the everything lacks quantity of 'everything' and I noted a few sunflower seeds. Maybe I'm a NYC version traditionalist. I did not get, but noted they freshly fry their eggs to order. I should have had a BEC instead of my BLT. On a side note, it's a very busy place on a Sunday and hard to get in/out or get to the drink station due to the narrow shape the place and hungry people in line. But I judge a place more on the food, so if you are nearby, enjoy.
(3)
Melanie V.
Sadly I can't eat here as I am GF but walking in made me reminisce about NY shops. Bought bagels and lox for a very discerning group and they LOVED it! Will definitely go back here, again, when I need to grab some bagels on the weekend.
(4)
Kate N.
Brooklyn Bagel might benefit from the relative lack of competition, but it is a solid bagel. The sandwiches are great because they use real ingredients--eggs that are actually eggs, thick bacon, good cream cheese. My favorite is a BLT on sesame. They don't skimp on the bacon, but this is the only place I've ever been where I think they go too light on the mayo. What I really love about this place is that they're fast and efficient. You can be in and out in 10 minutes. I just wish it was closer to where I lived.
(4)
Kelsey L.
Best breakfast sandwich in the DC area and wonderful bagels. Service is great... You feel like you're in New York City. The guys are loud, productive and friendly. I recommend if you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast off the beaten path..
(5)
Cassandra P.
Such a lack of quality bagel places in the area. This one is great! Not much seating, but most people are in and out quickly.
(4)
Hakuna M.
Perfect lox bagels, great balance of lox, capers and cream cheese.
(4)
Jackie C.
Amazing!!!! The perfect spot for breakfast after a long night of drinking that's for sure. I was going to Cosi but saw a line out the door so I had to check it out and boy was I glad I did! Bacon, egg and cheese on a multigrain bagel was to die for. And their selection on bagels was very dense. This place has something for everyone!
(5)
K S.
Major decline in overall food quality, and they will no longer toast your bagel - at 7:45 AM on a Friday I got a cold cinnamon raisin bagel with an uneven smear of cream cheese. Not worth trying to find parking and making sure you have cash. Still on the hunt for a decent bagel in Northern VA now that both Capital Bagels closed...
(2)
Jam C.
I never really understood the obsession with bagels (other then Panera Bread Chocolate Chip bagel but that doesn't really count because it's basically dessert =p). Then I walked into this place and I can't stop thinking about bagels! The crispy outside was perfect and the inside was soft & chewy. I never knew bagels can be this amazing and perfect. I highly recommend the Jalapeno Cheddar one, a kick in every single bite! The French Toast is also pretty good and not too sweet. Thanks Brooklyn Bagel, you have enlightened me! :) There's a separate and shorter line by the door if you're just picking up bagels/cream cheese and not ordering a sandwich. I've grabbed a dozen bagels here for work a few times and service was pretty quick. Too bad they close at 5 PM because there have been a few times when I really really wanted to eat one of their bagel sandwiches for dinner.... Don't forget to bring some cash, they don't take credit cards but they do have a generic ATM machine on site if you don't mind paying a small fee.
(5)
A C.
The only possible way that anyone can think that these are actual bagels, much less good bagels, is if they have never had an actual bagel. Anyone who has - even once - would immediately know how absolutely, positively horrible these "bagels" are. Every single thing about them - crust, interior, crumb, texture, flavor, mouth feel, ingredients - is wrong. Not a little bit. Absolutely. Wrong. Imagine the worst supermarket you've ever been in. The kind that doesn't care about the way they handle frozen foods. Freezer burns, frost on packaging, erratic temperatures - you name it. Go there. Buy a sleeve of Lender's Frozen Bagels - which I previously considered the Worst Bagels in the World - and you'll get a better bagel than you can get at Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The only thing worse than their bagels is their inability to prepare the bagels. It doesn't matter what you ask for, they'll do it the way they want. And they don't give a damn. Which brings me to the only thing worse than their inability to properly prepare a bagel: their "customer service." It's rude, insulting, dismissive. It's not quaint. It's not charming. This place has as much to do with Brooklyn as the owners do with quality: nothing.
(1)
Patrick C.
I like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery for bagels and a quick breakfast sandwich. I am from New York (Manhattan's UES), and chuckle when I read reviews that purport to compare to a "NY bagel" and judge another bagel as inferior when the concept is nebulous at best. NYC has good and bad bagels, just like the DC region; however, there are fewer good/great options in DC. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes a New York style bagel, and I find the taste and texture to be good, overall. As to price, I find Brooklyn Bagel to be reasonable for bagels, sandwiches, and cream cheese. Remember, this is North Arlington, not exactly an inexpensive locale in which to operate a business, but compared to the competition, I tend to find a better value at Brooklyn Bagel, especially considering that the bagels are made without preservatives. I believe that the cream cheese is also made fresh in the store, and while I don't eat it, people for whom I purchase it tend to enjoy it very much. I have not sampled anything outside of bagels, sandwiches, and accompaniments, so I cannot comment on the pizza, but they do have a good variety of pizza by the slice, and I know people who do enjoy their slices from Brooklyn Bagel. The customer service is not lacking. This is a busy bagel bakery where the staff is used to turning out orders quickly in order to move the line, lest people complain about long lines. Efficiency of communication does not mean that someone is rude, but that is a New York thing, I guess, and some from other regions don't understand. Even when busy, I have never noticed anything that I would describe as rude, and I would prefer that the staff focus on the order as opposed to idle chit-chat that slows the line. The cash only policy is not unique to this establishment, and I like my credit card perks and points as much as the next guy, but I see no problem with it. If someone reads a review here, then they know that they need to bring cash, so they should not be surprised, or outraged that they have to use the in-store ATM. There are also banks in the vicinity, so no shortage of access to cash. Bagels are like pizza, we all have preferences and what may be superior to one is mediocre to another. Personally, I cannot stand bagels that are not fresh from a local baker, and have even found some supermarkets who have talented bagel bakers can turn out a good product. I do prefer local bakeries and will continue to patronize Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)
Steve M.
NO CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED Good breakfast bagels, which will cost you $4.75 each. Yeah that's pretty steep but it gets even more expensive if you forget to pick up cash first. It'll cost you an extra $1.75 + bank fees to withdraw cash from their in-store ATM. They don't have a credit card machine and they won't even splash out for an iPad with Square. $6.50 for a decent bagel. Your call.
(2)
Nora T.
Excellent service, great bagels and sandwiches with lots of shmear options. Yumm!
(5)
Emma M.
The bagels might be good but there is no excuse to be cash only in today's world. My biggest pet peeve. Will never be back until they accept credit cards. The signage needs to be better to inform people since I had already ordered before I noticed.
(1)
Dawn L.
Have been going there since I moved to VA and just love the neighborhood hangout. Growing up in New Jersey I really missed good bagels, whitefish, etc. but was so psyched to be able to order lox, onion and eggs on a Sunday am The guys are so friendly and know all of the regulars, their kids and even their parents when they're in town visiting. I'm told several staff members have been with them for over 15 yrs-wow!! Best keep secrets are real NY pizza -only on the week days-(try the white) and the take home salads, lox and cold cuts they you can order by the pound. The food is consistently yummy and always too much. I read the review about too little cream cheese but I always need to tell them to give me a little less! Totally recommend!!!
(5)
Richard Y.
We ordered a poppy bagel and an everything bagel with cream cheese. Having been to a lot of bagel shops in the NYC and Brooklyn area, I was not too impressed. The bagels can use more coating. The everything bagel was more like a semi-everything bagel. This is the only place I know of in the Arlington/DC area that serves bagels and cream cheese. With my frequent bagel cravings, I do not know where else to go. A subpar bagel is still a bagel. For this reason and its cash only payment rule, I have to give this place a 3-star.
(3)
Annie L.
Perfect breakfast stop on the way to the office. Efficient, reasonably priced. But make sure you have cash, no cards accepted. Happy to learn they'll do orders in a separate pan to avoid tasting like bacon from the main grill. They'll also scoop out for a healthier alternative.
(3)
Brian B.
Coming from the North East, I'd like to think that I know what a good bagel is, and Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, true to its name, delivers. It is always busy on the mornings and the line moves fast and efficiently. The food is great and so is the service. Of importance though, bring cash! While they have an ATM on site, avoid the fee and prepare accordingly. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Arpita B.
I don't really think this place provides anything over & above what's available at any other bagel shop... So I don't really get what the hype is all about. Yes, they do have any extensive variety of bagels & cream cheeses but they aren't anything to fawn all over. It's not bad,but not anything impressive. Of all the bagels I personally like the jalepeno cheese bagel. They do have a few breakfast sandwich options. I have only tried the sausage-egg white & cheese which is again... Pretty Standard. The downsides are the fact that (1) it's a cash only joint...PAINFUL & (2) parking can be difficult as it is located on a busy street. Other than that.... I'd say it's a decent option if you are tired of the Dunkin donuts, the Panera breads or other such chains.
(3)
Rashna S.
Best best bagels in Arlington! I got the jalapeño cheddar egg and cheese and it was fantastic. No want to come back and try the sun dried tomato bagel :)
(5)
Sherri D.
I think we found the holy grail for breakfast bagels and LEGIT coffee/sandwiches! Came here around lunchtime on Sunday and the place was pretty busy. After reading reviews, boyfriend and I decided to try this place out since we wanted to try something different for a change. The staff is really friendly, nice, efficient, and takes your order promptly. He got the bacon, egg, cheese bagel and I got the Rockaway Reuben. First off, both orders were delicious and they were ready within 5 minutes and while waiting, I perused the rest of the inside and --They had tons of choices for bagels, mixed fruits, house creamcheese spreads in the fridges up front, and various choices for beverages. The price was reasonable for the quality and portion that you get, but most of all -- it hit the spot and everything was good! Boyfriend liked their coffee and for me, I got the iced mocha which was delicious. No additional sugar needed and it genuinely tasted like mocha coffee. It was perfect. I'm normally picky or want some sort of flavorful creamer to give it a kick, but it was delicious and not sickeningly sweet. We will definitely be back and try other items!
(5)
Megan T.
I've always loved this place but they just messed up my order for the third time in two weeks. I'm pretty disappointed. Providing sometimes subpar quality just to get people in and out faster doesn't seem like a smart business strategy to me, but what do I know?
(1)
April R.
I really like their breakfast bagel sandwiches! It's so good and it's huge! Only downside is that they only take cash (they do have an ATM inside the store) and the female cashier wasn't rude but she was def not friendly and did not want to be there. She's like that every time I go in there. She needs to smile a little more! Everyone there is so friendly!
(4)
Emily D.
This place is great. It's pretty much got everything you could want, pizza by the slice, French fries, salads, bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch and so much more! The coffee is great. This is a regular breakfast spot for me. Only downside is they're cash only. They've got an ATM inside though!
(4)
Donald M.
First time in here, had no idea it was cash only. Didn't see any signs anywhere. Ordered breakfast for two and when they told me it was cash only they pointed me to the conveniently placed ATM right at the register. Sucking it up, I was prepared to pay the 8$ convenience charge for my 8$ of food, but the ATM was out of order. So I asked them what to do, and low and behold they pull out a credit card machine and give me a nasty look. Needless to say I will never come back here again, and I can make better lox at home.
(1)
Mark H.
I absolutely love this place. Best bagels in Arlington. They are made fresh on site every morning. It's busy on weekdays and completely packed on weekends but the wait is never too bad. They have a nice, small patio - if you're lucky enough to find a seat out there. I rarely get anything besides bagels and cream cheese, but the egg sandwiches are also decent. My only criticism is the coffee. It's not great quality and it's self-serve*, so you may buy a coffee only to find out that they've run out, and wait 10 minutes to get more coffee brewed. I've gotten in the habit of taking my bagel to go and brewing my own coffee at home or work. If they upgraded the coffee and replenished the empty thermos more frequently, this would be 5 stars. *No free refills, however, negating any possible advantage to the consumer for pouring your own coffee.
(4)
Jaclyn H.
This place is good when it comes to food but absolutely horrendous when it comes to service. The service is fast which is great but during slower times, the people are so rude. The girl that works at the register is worst of all. She makes faces and refuses to do anything but sit behind the register with a sour look. So good food, bad customer service!!!
(3)
Stacy L.
We found our new bagel place!! Bagels are fantastic. Warm and soft and very tasty. We got everything, sesame and plain. Lox and cream cheese. All delicious. The place was packed this morning but the line moved very fast. Staff was so busy but they really did a great job of getting people in and out. Make sure you bring cash because they don't accept credit cards; however, they do have an atm in the restaurant. There are tables to use inside and outside. Parking was difficult to find though.
(5)
Andrew M.
So the bagels themselves are good. That is if you can get the ones you want. I've gone four times in the last four weekends and every time they were out of Garlic and Asiago bagels (this was at noon and they don't make more). I don't understand why you wouldn't plan to make more of the bagels people like and less of those they don't from a supply perspective. The head guy seems a bit impatient (probably because they are busy) especially if you have to ask if they have a certain bagel (despite the fact that all the labels remain on the bagel shelf making it impossible for you to tell if they have it in stock or not.) It almost seems like a factory they want to get you in and out as fast as possible. Lastly, they are cash only which is a pain, they need to get a square reader or something to make it convenient for their customers because it is 2014 not 1990.
(3)
Brenda L.
Used to work around this place and LOVED coming here for their bagel breakfast sandwiches. This place has the BEST bagels in the DMV!
(4)
Yuchen Z.
It's a popular breakfast/brunch spot in the area. They have an assortment of bagels and sandwich combinations. They make their bagels on site which is really cool. Small seating area in the back/side. Gets really packed during the weekends but generally not too bad. 2 registers-one for lunch sandwiches and one for more quick on the go stuff like bagels and coffee. They have lunch special sandwich combos-sandwich + chips + drinks = $7.99 They also have breakfast bagels of all kinds and lunch sandwiches with all types of meat/cheese/veggie/bread combos. I like their Russian dressing and coleslaw sandwiches. However, the sandwiches are not particularly great or anything. They are kind of dry and slightly bland. It's just "OK." Maybe their breakfast sandwiches are better. It's a fine place to go for a quick bite to eat for lunch or breakfast through. 2 tables of outdoor seating avaible. Busy place.
(3)
Danielle P.
Love this place. Bagels are phenomenal, better than anything else I've had in the DC area. The breakfast sandwiches are huge and filling. My husband and I go here often, definitely give it a try. It's CASH ONLY. So plan ahead. Getting half or a dozen bagels with tubs of cream cheese is the most cost effective thing to do here. Can't beat the price on those for the quality!
(5)
Fallon S.
Great breakfast spot!!! - Fast & friendly service - Fresh squeezed orange juice - NY LOX is absolutely amazing I will be back
(5)
Christine M.
Brooklyn Bagel has the best bagels in the area. I highly recommend the everything bagel which is coated on both sides heavily unlike traditional bagels. It is cash only so be sure to bring it!
(4)
Marie M.
This used to be my favorite and #1 bagel shop. Until recently, it is not anymore. The past few times I have gone I have been so disappointed. The bagels are not as fresh anymore and they do not even toast them. The bagels in recent visits, have been hard/ stale, barely any cream cheese, and not even toasted/ warmed up. The line is long, but it does go by quickly. The tea is always out and I ask them to refill and no one does. They need to slow down and listen to peoples order to ensure they are accurate.
(3)
Maria P.
EXTREMELY RUDE SERVICE-- we placed a large order for 10 dozen bagels weeks in advance. Upon this morning, not only were the bagels not ready, the manager (Mo) said he thought the order had been cancelled and it was our fault it was taking extra time to get the bagels together. He yelled at us in front of 20+ customers and said if we stopped talking to him he would be able to get everything together quicker. I have NEVER been treated like that in a restaurant and am appalled he thought that behavior was appropriate customer service. I will NEVER step foot in this restaurant again.
(1)
Bader J.
The bagels are pretty good , I had egg & cheese , you might want to ask them for extra cheese. They are a little frugal with the cheese. Also make sure to bring cash because they only accept cash.
(3)
Matt H.
This is the best spot in Arlington to get a NY bagel. I ordered a bacon egg and cheese on wheat bagel with coffee. The only better bagel I've had is Towson hot bagel in baltimore. This place can get crowded around the breakfast rush, but man is it worth it. Remember cash only! But they do have an atm on site. They also have some small areas for seating if you want to eat in, and they offer little street parking out front.
(4)
Andrew O.
The best bagel spot in the DC metro area. Period. I'm from New Jersey, I go to New York often. I know a good bagel. Bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything - perfect every time. Less than $5 for a solid breakfast. But skip the coffee, it's terrible. Cash only, ATM inside. OK, so it can be a bit of a "soup Nazi" experience. You better know your order when it's your turn. You better not be on your phone. If you want a quiet, relaxing line or eat-in experience, don't come here during peak hours on the weekend. If you want a great bagel and don't give a sh*t, come here. But really, avoid the coffee.
(5)
Ahmad K.
Yummy bagels, not so great service. Make sure you bring cash because they take only cash, and parking nearby is a challenge. If you come during non-busy hours you will get more attention.
(4)
Jiani Z.
Always long lines during the weekend, yet they are so good that people keep coming. Bagels are delicious! Abs addicted to them now. The only reason it didn't a five star is that it's cash only.
(4)
Alyssa H.
Living in NY for almost 3 years now, I woke up in DC cravinggggg one of my beloved doughy, perfect bagels. After a quick yelp search, we arrived here and I am pleasantly surprised! The bagels were big and pretty on par with those that I love! I would absolutely recommend this place for bagels for anyone in the area. Minus two stars: 1. No hot coffee...you're a breakfast joint... 2. Smoked salmon...it was dry and overall did not seem fresh. Avoid this and you should be good. Oh! And they only take CASH!
(3)
Phoenix Simone W.
I have mixed feelings about this place. On one hand, as a New Yorker, it's damn near impossible to recreate a NY bagel. Specifically as a NY Jew, bagels and lox are pretty much a staple food, and I really wasn't that impressed with the nova bagel. The ingredients didn't taste 100% fresh, and the lox didn't taste quite right. On the other hand, this is better than all other bagel places I've had in the area. I once got some everything bagels without anything on them, and they were pretty good--the perfect ratio of soft to hard dough. In the end, does it compare to a NY bagel place? Nope. But it does beat out the rest of the bagel places in the area.
(3)
Zane U.
Went here two days in a row due to a ridiculous bagel craving. Day 1: I had an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese while my girlfriend went with an everything bagel, toasted with butter. Ordered a coffee and a soy latte as well. The bagels themselves were great, but neither of them seemed to have been toasted. The bacon also appeared to have come from the ridiculous pile of bacon on the griddle and didn't come out very hot. Both of the coffees were great. Overall this experience was ok due to the untoasted bagel and cold bacon. Service was quick though. Day 2: Same great coffee drinks, same great quality of bagels - this time toasted. I went with a ham, egg white and cheese on everything. This time the sandwich came out piping hot. My girlfriend went with an everything bagel with cream cheese. Bagels were outstanding, as before, but the toasted bagels and warm ham/egg set these over the top. Coffee was just as great as day 1 and the service was quick even though the place was packed. Overall this was a great experience. We will be back!
(4)
Elizabeth R.
The BEST bagels in Courthouse! My go to is the Sausage/Egg/Cheese on an EVERYTHING bagel. :)
(4)
Niurka M.
These peple are the best. They go from making there own delicious bagels to having the most friendly crew, and huge choice of sandwiches. And let me not start talking about there awesome pizza. Love this place.
(5)
Naman J.
Sunflower seed bagel? Sundried Tomato bagel? Is your mouth watering yet? If you want to try these exotic flavors, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is the place to be at. Very well located near the Court House Metro Station, this establishment has tons of delicious bagel flavors and very well priced. Service is quick and nice, and the bagels filled me up even though I did not get any topping. In a nutshell, this place is a gem that is not too expensive.
(5)
Mary M.
There is not one person in this bagel shop that is from Brooklyn. I ordered an egg and cheese on an onion bagel and received a egg and cheese on an everything bagel. The sandwich was cold and the bagel was doughy and not toasted as I asked. The servers and cashier were not friendly and I saw them mix up two peoples orders. I will not be going back. Its worth the trip to Ballston to go to Manhattan Bagel, which is much much better.
(1)
Maddie E.
I recommended this place to everyone. I grew up going to this place since I was in Elementary school and the guys there have literally watched my siblings and I grow up. (I'm 22, btw) I don't live in Arlington anymore and I drive 2 hours just to get a bagel, that's how good they are. They're bagels are amazing and fresh and they can not be compared to DD or Panera. This place is home, you won't regret going there.
(5)
Mike R.
Love it for a delicious NY bagel with chive or veggi cream cheese. It's cash only which is annoying and nearly impossible to find a place it sit on the weekends but it's very good. This is the only place I go to get my bagel fix in the Courthouse area.
(4)
Joanna M.
As a NYC bred girl, I KNOW a good bagel and can argue that NY's shittiest bagel still rivals any glorified bagel elsewhere. As a NYC transplant, I know this and expect to lower my expectation but come on people! Einsteins, Breuggers, for the love of god people, these are NOT real bagels and I have no pity for you because I'm afraid you just don't know any better. There, there, don't you worry child. Lets get something straight Brooklyn Bagels, you are the closest place in the DMV area that I have found to have relatively decent bagels. Granted, if this place was making bagels in NYC, it would be like one star tastewise, texturewise, etc. but in DMV area, I'd give it 3 stars because it's ok, just OK. I like to go early (as early as my hungover ass can wake up) and get a warm B.E.C. (Bacon, egg & cheese) bagel but for $5/$6, that's absurd! *sigh my nyc $2-3 B.E.C. bagel back at home.... Whatever, reality is I can't trek up home EVERYTIME i have a bagel or omg a BIALI! craving (*insert beavis and butthead "uhhhhhh" here*) but Brooklyn Bagels, in this area, I can do. What I really really do not like is the kind of cheese Brooklyn Bagels uses on their bacon, egg, and cheese. The cheese is the processed/fake kind of cheese (think kraft singles or something) not the beloved fresh boars head cheese used in the best NYC delis and for friggin 5 dollars, the least you can do is put on some good cheese dammit! Bagels: Egg, Sesame bagels are all okay, their plain bagel eh but their Everything bagel is way salty for my tastebuds.
(3)
James T.
My favorite bagel outlet, Manhattan, has closed. The next nearest is Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and I decided to use it for a brunch gathering of 30 people.. Its website makes clear that bagels are $8.99 a dozen. It wasn't stated that you get 13 bagels when you buy a dozen (called a "baker's dozen"), but I have never been to a bagel outlet that does not give you 13 when you buy a dozen. Enter Brooklyn Bagel, run by an obvious non-NewYorker!! Not only do you not get 13 but the price is $11.89 and not $8.99 for a dozen. So I paid a little over $50 for 4 dozen bagels, vastly more than I have ever paid anywhere else before -- and they only take cash (which strikes me as suspicious for several reasons).. I mentioned the website pricing to the owner/manager and he said the website says "price subject to change at any time." This is not what I would like to have heard. Apparently customer relations is not a strong point for this owner. The bagels are large and pretty good but I am not ready to pay essentially a dollar per bagel quite yet. There are other bagel outlets with excellent bagels, easier parking and less pecuniary owners. Brooklyn likely will not see me again. But it is perfect for Yuppies who don't care what they pay.
(1)
Matt M.
Great little bagel place and very handy location as well. I highly recommend the jalapeno bagels which are delicious, although I've tried the garlic and french toast bagels too and they are a close second. Love sitting outside in the sun on a weekend morning in the summer.
(4)
Joel P.
Definitely try the jalapeño bagels! Cash only.
(5)
Alon S.
A fun place to have breakfast. They only except cash. Very fast pace. They have a few tables outside. You need to be very lucky to get one.
(3)
Alli K.
This place doesn't even need another fantastic review, but I'm putting mine here anyway. I moved to Courthouse in July and Brooklyn Bagel has quickly become part of my weekend tradition. My standard order is simple (poppyseed bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox) but is consistently delish. I love the huge variety of cream cheeses and need to branch out and try more of them. Did I mention they also have very good coffee? The real reason I felt the need to leave a review is because of how kindly accommodating they are when I ask for soy milk for my iced coffee. They don't have soy milk sitting out, but the nice lady at the cash register always tells me to go make my iced coffee at the counter, then bring it back to her for a splash of soy milk. Even when it's super crowded (okay it's ALWAYS super crowded), she takes a moment from her steady stream of customers to get me my soy milk. Might seem silly, but I really appreciate small service gestures like that. (PS: I am lactose intolerant, not just being a diva.) Bagels, Etc. in Dupont will probably forever be my favorite bagel place in DC (why can't more New Yorkers relocate here and open real bagel shops?? I will never know. They'd make a killing.) But this is a very close second, and I'm quite happy that it's just around the corner from my apartment.
(5)
Albert L.
Great local shop in Courthouse to grab some breakfast on the quick. They've got a decent selection of coffees at reasonable prices, and they have a large breakfast menu that uses their housemade bagels. Really, you can watch the guys behind the counter crank out the dough and boil the bagels. Great stuff. Ordered up a sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything, took but a minute to get it after ordering. These bagels are big and chewy. They do not skimp on size - in fact, they're probably as big as your face. They also layered the sausage, egg, and cheese well enough to give you a nice bite of everything as you work your way through it. It's popular with the locals, so don't be surprised to find it a bit tight in the seating area. There's usually no crazy lines on weekends, so it's a nice option for an early morning energizer pre/post workout.
Can I give 6 stars? This is BY FAR the best bagel in the entire DC metro area. CASH ONLY -- and a few reviewers have complained about that -- but get over it. Really. The bagels are awesome, fresh (made on site and you can see the whole production process), and frequently still warm when we order an extra half dozen to go. Some reviewers have also commented on the ordering experience and it is true - you better know what you want when they ask you or you have no business being in line. This should not be a surprise for a shop with the word "Brooklyn" in its name. For my time and money, I am fine with them insisting that you do not waste their time and mine while you read the menu over and discuss with your friends what kind of bagel you want today. And once they get to know you (and know you will not hold up the line) it is all good. Kind of fun, really. Favorites (beyond the obvious toasted bagel with a shmear in any flavor they offier) are the sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, and the egg salad sandwich. Coffee is really good and fresh too. So get your bagel fix in Arlington -- worth the trip from anywhere.
(5)
Shanon J.
Incredible bagels and a good cup of coffee. The place was packed but the service was very fast. The bagels tasted fresh and had a yummy outside crunch.
(5)
Jane M.
Bagels are decent, but could definitely be better. Good enough to cure a hangover on a Saturday morning. However, staff is definitely rude and unfriendly. Makes me not want to go back. And cash-only is never convenient.
(3)
Joanna C.
Ok, they might have messed up half of my order, but it was still delicious. I went in to order an egg salad bagel (on whatever they had left) and maple walnut raisin cream cheese on a plain bagel. They gave me plain cream cheese on a plain bagel. But I don't care. The egg salad was well worth it. Bring cash, as they don't accept cards, and good luck with parking. :) And try the egg salad! Can't wait for another excuse for a bagel.
(4)
I G.
My dad owned and ran deli's in NYC and Westchester county NY. I basically grew up in a deli. I will admit the bagel was very good, tasty and the right amount of chewy. Not much in common with restaurant of same name that I frequent in Wellington FL. My main problem with this place was that it was dirty and when a cockroach ran across the table (mind you this was late December) my easy going wife said enough let's go and just left the rest of her bagel. Funny we spent a couple of weeks in Lima Peru this year eating at all types of restaurants, never saw a restaurant as filthy and unsanitary as this one. Does the board of health not check restaurants in Arlington VA? And what's with the cash only policy? People working at the BB in Arlington were not very friendly or helpful. Empty coffee canisters while employees stood around doing nothing, maybe they should have been washing their hands and cleaning the restaurant. Kind of gross overall wouldn't go back.
(2)
Katie E.
This is my go-to spot for those mornings when you're a little hungover. Or a lot hungover. Or when you just need some delicious, cheesy eggs on a bagel stat. The bagels are very tasty and made at the location. The dough is chewy with a crisp crust--yum! I usually get the sausage, egg and cheese on a wheat bagel. The portions are large and it's all made right in front of you. The cream cheese is also delicious. Be prepared--it's cash only. There is an ATM there, but bring cash to avoid ATM fees. Also, on weekends, all the young people in the area seem to come here for their weekend breakfast (probably hungover like me, so I'm not hating). Lines are long, but those guys behind the counter are PROS. They are quick and efficient. Have your order ready to avoid having them yell "What are you having?" multiple times. Oh, and not lots of seating, so have someone grab a table while you're in line or grab seating outside on a nice day. A must do if you want some delicious, homemade bagels. They have lots of choices and lots of toppings.
(5)
Vinay I.
Great bagels - all made in-house (you can even see them being made!) Very nice breakfast sandwiches. Fast service - these guys can move the lines very fast! Small seating capacity, however.
(4)
Tamara S.
Thought I was in the 70s with the cash only policy. I can see why there are no lines in that place. The sandwich was ok, but for the inconvenience of payment, I could have made something better at home.
(1)
Cassandra M.
A fine bagel spot. Convenient, pretty good coffee. Bagel barely toasted and tough. Nothing like the bagels I've had in Brooklyn. Won't be back.
(3)
Nichole B.
I only frequent this place when I want to grab a quick sandwich or a quick bagel. I think this is a great local bagel shop in the Courthouse corridor if you are trying to get a quick bite to eat. The staff is pretty friendly and courteous and it is nice to know you can watch them prepare your food as well. They have pretty decent lunch specials that start at 4.99 and the portions are very generous. They also serve pizza as well. There bagel selection is pretty extensive and they are a nice size as well. Just a quick reminder to bring cash with you because they do not have a credit card machine on hand.
(3)
Mangala M.
Bagels are something that I've been craving a lot. A nice toasted cruncy exterior, with a soft pillowy center dressed in a decadent cream cheese. A good bagel is hard to find especially when you do not live in NYC. This is where Brooklyn bagel delivers! An amazing delicious bagel just like the ones you find in NYC. This place is definitely all the hype. Remember to bring cash and come hungry! It's well worth the trip, enjoy!
(5)
Donn D.
I recently tried this place after watching a movie at AMC Courthouse, and I'm glad I did. I just tried one of their Reuben sandwich and it was delicious. The portions of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese was just right.
(4)
Sage W.
the people works there its svks ,i never eat anything from there ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Kathryn O.
This place has the BEST bagels in Arlington. The line on Saturdays and Sundays can be pretty long, but it moves quickly. Note that this place does NOT take credit cards, so you have to have cash (there's an ATM in there and a BoA around the corner). Also, there's parking behind the restaurant if there's nothing on the street/you don't have change. I basically only get the everything bagel with cream cheese, but my boyfriend switches it up with various egg sandwiches and/or spreads, and they're all delicious. I think some of the drinks and especially the fruit are overpriced, but it's definitely worth it.
(5)
Jerome T.
Place is the best. I always go for the BLT. Sometimes I worry that my girlfriend likes this place more than she likes me. Great coffee too, and a good atmosphere for Saturday morning reading the paper. Always impressed without how the staff manages the chaos in there when its busy. Bagels as big as your head. Make sure you have cash.
(5)
Eunice M.
I thought my bagel was terrible. It might be because they didn't toast my bagel, though I specifically asked them to. I didn't realize until I got back to my office though. In any case, it was not very good.
(2)
Allison P.
This place has a monopoly on hungover Courthouse/Rosslyn residents. It's a little pricey, but literally the only bagel shop in town. I ordered a multigrain bagel w/lox & cream cheese. Everything was A-OK. K ordered some crazy egg breakfast sandwich and loved every bite of it. I'll be back when the bagel crave strikes again, and hopefully I don't forget cash.
(3)
David H.
Bagels are pretty good, the everything could have more "everything," but at least it wasn't salty i'll be sure to try a breakfast sandwich next time
(4)
Ming I.
one of the few places you can get good bagels in dc
(4)
Rachel W.
Among the best bagels in DC. They have nearly every flavor bagel and spread. I feel like I'm eating at a bagelry back in my home state of NJ. Just remember to bring cash when you go!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Another favorite of mine. The bagels are just like New York bagels crispy outside soft inside. I'm not kidding this place is good. Any bagel is good. With butter with cream cheese or with ham egg and cheese! They have many beverages to choose from and their sugar cookies are to die for too.
(5)
Katie P.
Brooklyn Bagel is delicious! The interior is a bit small for the number of people usually inside, and parking can be difficult. But this isn't the far out burbs, so what can you expect? The breakfast is delicious, substantial, and well worth it. The French toast bagel is heaven in breakfast form! The bacon is usually a tad but overdone, but is quite tasty! Well worth it!!
(4)
Que Q.
Great location...the bagels are not bad. However, BBB customer service stinks. This is 2013 and your business does not accepts credit cards? We know what that's about. These cash only business do this to skirt around paying their fare share of taxes. I stopped in this morning to get a bagel.They guy on the register reached back and grabbed my selection with a tissue but his fingers were all over the bagel. Maybe some of you don't mind, but I do. I asked him to get someone else to retrieve another bagel without touching it. He denied touching the bagel with his fingers and said a few choice words in his dialect. Another guy stepped up, put on gloves ( as they should) and retrieve my selection, giving attitude too. Needless to say, after posting this review I will go directly to Arlington County Health Department and file a formal complaint.
(1)
Ahmad M.
I've eaten here several times and it is always great. Their bagels are fresh and delicious and everything is cooked right in front if you. Today I added something new to my order, vanilla chai latte, it was fantastic. This palace will continue to be a regular spot for me
(5)
Steph S.
Don't get all the great reviews for this place. We ordered bagel ham and egg sandwiches four $10. As you can see from my picture the ham is so skimpy. Also the bagels are nothing amazing.
(1)
Nish P.
Solid! Fresh, quick, and always what you expected.
(5)
Kara S.
Great bagels! Fresh with many bagel and cream cheese options. this place doesn't overload the bagel with cream cheese but puts on just the right amount! very friendly staff and quick to complete orders. This place is CASH only so make sure you don't just have your credit cards on hand.
(4)
Jay V.
Best bagel shop I've been to in the area. Right combination of crunchy exterior and chewy interior. Good size bagels and they tasted great across my favorites (everything, sesame, poppy). I stopped by here for breakfast or lunch quite regularly when I worked and lived in Courthouse.
(5)
Jen B.
Best spot in Courthouse for a quick breakfast. Love their egg & cheese sandwiches and there's a pretty good selection of bagels. It is cash only and the ATM inside can be hit or miss. Don't be scared off by the long lines on the weekends- it moves pretty fast.
(5)
M H Z.
Just ok. Decent bagels, coffee and sandwiches. Not good enough to take home a dozen or trek out from Fairfax. Bagels from wegmans are better.
(3)
Joshua S.
Hands down the best bagels in VA/DC/MD! Usually order 2-3 dozen at a time and freeze them. Have been a staple at our house since we tried them two years ago.
(5)
YF K.
Sort of disappointed! Maybe my expectation is too high! It's okay and edible but don't be fool by the name and expect too much.
(3)
Stephie Z.
One of my favorite places to breakfast while in DC. I wish Atlanta had some better bagel joints. The lox, cream cheese, and onion on a garlic or everything bagel is where it's at. Shit can't be beat!
(4)
Marc W.
I love the everything bagels! Never had a bad meal here, and the service is always top notch. They even serve La Colombe coffee. Overall best bagels in the area!
(5)
Kevin L.
I grew up in Jersey, so I appreciate (and love) good bagels. This is the best bagel place by far in northern VA. I can see how some folks going for the first time are a bit intimidated --- but worth it. As a regular, I still feel rushed....they get crazy busy because they are that good. I will continue to go!
(5)
Kate R.
i don't get it. We only had breakfast sandwiches, but they weren't orgasmic. I expected a lot more from this place from the reviews. But on second review, I noticed most of these people consider Clarendon DC and well, we know that's far from the truth. Anyways, we each got a bagel sammy, one egg and cheese on an everything and one on an onion. The bagels were average at best, the onion one was sloppily put together so that the egg part was scrunched on one side of the sammy. The coffee was average. The service wasn't bad, but it could be improved. The just kind of bark at you for your order and you move along the line. The regular coffee was out when I went to grab mine, there was maybe 1 person in there the whole time i was there, so you'd think that'd be something they'd be on top of. sayin'
(2)
Dorrie D.
My favorite bagels in the DC/VA/MD area. I tend to buy the dozen, and also pick up one or two of their homemade cream cheeses. The bagels are huge, and each one makes for a filling meal. Least favorite is the cinnamon raison (too hard). Best for me are likely the sesame seed, the french toast (though best eaten fresh), and the "Everything"/Onion. Some personal favorite memories are quiet mornings reading paper and eating bagels/drinking coffee with boyfriend outside of this place. Particularly good memories when I am referring to days when I am "teleworking".
(5)
Paul F.
Fresh bagels baked beautifully . Hard-working mom-and-pop staff. Good menu selection and reasonable prices. Suck it Brueggers and Einstein!
(5)
Mike S.
This place is great. Aside from the 'cash-only' nonsense; I'm a huge fan. They have a great selection of bagels, toppings and cream cheeses. I myself love the sun-dried tomato bagel with salmon and humus, which is weird I'll admit; but they do it right every time.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes Good for Working : Yes
Sandi W.
I love their custom sandwiches. Roast beef and provolone on wheat for me please! The ordering process can be a pain though. Most of the guys do not speak English and it can be hard to communicate your order at times. I kept telling one guy, DO NOT toast my bread over and over - huh? The guy next to him even relayed my message and he still didn't understand. As he was about to throw my bread in the toaster, I had to yell over the counter, NO TOAST! I hate having to do that... Otherwise, the sandwiches are good, generous, and cheap compared to other options in the area.
(4)Ryan O.
This place is just awesome! If you like fresh New York bagels, this the place for you. Quick service, reasonable, and the best tasting bagels around. I'm a sucker for sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwiches. Basically eat one whenever I'm out on the road in the morning (or afternoon) and this by far the best I've had. Try one for yourself.
(5)Kevin G.
This is what you expect of them: To deliver you a delicious bagel in little time, exactly as you ordered it. This is what is expected of you: Read the menu before you get to the head of the line and be prepared to order in a clear voice. They won't need you to repeat it, and they get it right the first time every time I've been there. If you can't do these things, expect attitude from the employees. What, princess? It's not like you were ever going to tip them anyway! Quid pro quo, Clarice. Be a douche and expect attitude in return. Oh, and CASH ONLY.
(5)Tracy P.
By far the best bagel shop in the georgetown/arlington area. Amazing bagel sandwiches (egg, cheese sausage) all made to order and delicious. And they are FAST, that line move quick, and they have a nice seating area out front. Easy parking too. Only negative is cash only, but that is a minor inconvenience.
(5)Joel S.
I recall a New Yorker edge to these guys a few years ago, but the past two days have been fine. The bagels are top notch. As far as this New Yorker is concerned you won't find a better bagel in the DC/VA/MD area. lots of bagel, spread, sandwich options make it all the better.
(4)Dea A.
Chewy, large, properly made and delicious. They have a pile of brownies to take and secretly eat for an unhealthy mid-day snack.
(5)Jen W.
As a New Yorker, I am a bit of a bagel snob but I must admit this is the best bagel I've found in this region. The only drawback is they don't accept credit cards but they do have an ATM in the place.
(5)L S.
Granted, I didn't have a bagel, so I can't attest to those. I did have the Park Slope sandwich, which was ok, but the bread it was on was disgusting - it tasted like cardboard. I ended up just eating the middle of the sandwich (carb lite!) and throwing the 'ciabata roll' (their term, not mine) out. For a place that calls itself a bakery, you'd think they'd have better. Fingers crossed I like the bagels better.
(2)Andrew G.
Legendary Arlington breakfast/lunch eatery. Super fresh bagels and breakfast sandwhiches. It can get very crowded on the weekends, but the lines move fast. Sausage Egg and Cheese and Sesame Bagel cannot be beat, and if nutrition wasn't a factor, I would eat here every morning.
(4)Jon H.
I would give it five stars, but its just solid bagels here. The service is efficient (almost too efficient), and the bagels are pretty fresh and decently priced. Highlights? French Toast bagel (rare in many places) and Salt bagel (rare as well, mostly NY specific). I would have given it 5 stars, but unfortunately I found out 2 days later that Bruegger's has Salt Bagels now too, and I think their bagels are just fresher, so I took a star away. All in all, the bagels are very solid here. Just a tad too thick (I had 1 once that almost had no hole in the middle), and just a tad too dense. Unfortunately, I just can't tell the difference between here and Brueggers anymore, and to me, Brueggers is just fresher.
(4)Andrei C.
This is the only bagel place in the Courthouse area of Arlington, therefore, not much choice when it comes to bagels. The texture and taste of the BBB bagels is mediocre, at best. The cream cheese mixes are OK, some are actually nice, depending on your personal preferences. Although the bagels are mediocre, they are still better than Einstein Brothers and other factory franchise type of stores. Although they bill themselves a bakery, BBB does not provide "baker's dozen" packages to take to your office. For those who do not know what a baker's dozen means - it is a package that contains 13 items and you pay the price for 12. BBB is the only bakery I have walked into that does not do that. The really bad part is when you try something that is non-bagel. The sandwiches are yucky. The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich barely has any cheese on it, it is drowned in mayo and the vegetables are almost raw, barely heated on the griddle. Yuck, yuck, yuck! The Coney Island sandwich was even worse, with the chicken breast being so overcooked, it chewed like a piece of Goodyear rubber. Another oddity is that the place is located in a heavily populated area with lots of offices, yet they do not accept credit cards and I never got a receipt from them unless I specifically asked for it (and I got the evil eye for doing so). I wonder if the IRS knows of this piece of trivia. Conclusion: bagels are somewhat OK, other items suck. Prices are generally high for the quality you get. Cash only and no receipts. I would avoid this place.
(1)Debi N.
I've been to many bagel shops. I even have my go-to-bagel-shop place back home that I miss dearly. This place it's as amazing as everyone makes it seem.. It's cute, they have lots of yummy drink choices and menu items, and the service is quick. I like that it's quick. However, if I'm gonna pay for lox, I expect some lox. They always seem to jip me and it's never enough to fill the bagel. I've also notice (with egg bagel sandwiches) the egg is like only like 1/2 the size of the bagel. Which leaves extra bread. Yeah, the bagel itself is okay, but I don't want just bread. If I did I'd just order a plain bagel for 1/4 of the price than a whole sandwich. However, this place is the only place I found near me that serves lox. So I'll be back...I guess. Oh yes, CASH ONLY, which sucks.
(2)Chad O.
Grew up on bagels in northern Jersey and NYC. Brooklyn Bagels is as good as I've found in NOVA/DC after 3 years of trying. It is CASH only, ATM machine in store. Saturday mornings are a zoo. Seating is limited, but turns over relatively quickly. There is a charge for coffee/soda refills. The bagel, egg, cheese, and whatever sandwiches are extremely good and popular. However, they do full deli sandwiches. My personal favorite is chicken salad on pumpernickel bagel with sprouts.
(5)Kristen R.
I gotta give it to them... being middle eastern, taking cash only in a preppy white area.. they do well for themselves. Their bagels are good, their breakfast sandwiches are better. This girl at the register is not very nice, the guys behind the counter don't mess around. When it's your time to order you better order. Reminds me of New York i guess.
(4)Shahram L.
Excellent bagels. Chocolate chip, cheddar jalapeño, all kinds. It's totally worth the wait. Everything is just so fresh and delicious.
(5)Sarah H.
A must -try bagel place in DC. If I lived here I'd be a regular. It's right across the street from the metro too.. how convenient is that?! They also have a private parking lot in the back.. how convenient is that x2?! Bagels are baked fresh every morning and there's a good selection of breads, spreads, and combos to choose from. The BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE on GARLIC BAGEL is addicting. Grab an orange juice or coffee to pair with your bagel. Can't wait to come here again when I visit DC. yummy yummy yummy.
(5)Lindsay R.
1 star deduction because A) I wish they would take credit cards B) I wish there was more seating. I've been here twice in the past couple weeks and I'm pretty sure my husband and I will make it a weekly trip! Bagels are fresh and yummy. Service is quick. I believe prices are comparable for the area (actually, probably a bit less expensive than Corner Bakery, which is next door, but better quality). So far I have had the everything bagel with plain cream cheese and the lox with cream cheese. Both were delish! That little shop gets very crowded and you need to know what you're going to order before getting into line, or else you're holding up the staff. In my opinion, staff were not rude, but just worked at a hurried pace (which I appreciate) to serve the food quickly. Check in with Foursquare and get a free bagel and cream cheese.
(4)Valarie G.
Cash only and very very loud machines kind of kill the ambiance. I got lox, onion, and an egg on an everything bagel and while it was good - it was overly salty...but could be my fault on the ordering as well.
(3)Ayla B.
The only place open for breakfast before 8am around here (Opens M-F 0630, Sat & Sun 0700). Thanks to the other reviews, we got cash beforehand (no plastic taken here) & the hubby & I checked out the menu online so we wouldn't hold up the line deciding what we wanted. Cost was more than we expected, $20.80 for: Sausage, egg, & cheese on cinnamon raisin bagel w/ plain cream cheese (they use a real fried egg!) Sausage, egg, & cheese on sun dried tomato bagel w/ veggie lite cream cheese (sausage is perfect) Two spiced chai lattes (best I've ever had!!) Two orange juices I thoroughly enjoyed watching them make the bagels while we ate. The kitchen is surrounded by glass so you can watch the process from beginning to end! Overall, great experience!! The bagels were so perfect! Not so chewy & heavy on the inside like most bagels. Nice crunch on the outside. We'll definitely be going again while we're in town!
(5)Jaymi F.
I don't understand... maybe because this is the only 'breakfast' place within walking distance. Long lines. rude staff. cash only (with no signs posting such). bad bagels. That's what I don't understand: bad bagels = long lines?
(1)John G.
Bar none the best in arlington to get your bagels. Speedy service great selection of bagels and at the very least competitive if not inexpensive prices. Just be sure to bring cash or use the on site ATM as they dot take cards. Beyond their bagels their breakfast sandwiches and lunch pizza are both highlights as well
(5)Windi L.
Do you remember the soup Nazi? As in "HAVE YOUR ORDER READY TO GO" type of operation? Yeah... Brooklyn Bagel is kind of like that. The line gets long but it moves quickly. When ordering, speak LOUDLY and CLEARLY. Oh how many times have I ordered a tuna melt and it came with Swiss cheese **GAG** Articulate your words. The bagels here are made in house and served fresh. My favorite is the salt bagel. Only gripe is that there's only salt on one side of the bagel so if you get a tuna melt (as I often do), you only get that salty crunch on one of the pieces of tuna. Another Chinky favorite is the lox with a coffee and biscotti. Something about their biscotti is unique and different. Very tasty and not too stale. Sorry, kids... I can't comment on their cream cheese as I don't eat that stuff. They also serve coconut water so when you're hung over from your pepper party you can hydrate correctly. Cash only. Just to give you an idea of the cost: one tuna melt on a salt bagel + one lox on salt (no cream cheese) + 1 small coffee + 1 bottled juice + 1 coconut water == $20 even. Limited seating both indoors and out but somehow I always find a seat. Oh and don't even think about bringing a dog inside. It's not worth the risk.
(4)Erin T.
This is the worst bagel shop I have been to in the DC area. First, every bagel you eat will automatically taste like onions because they use the same utensils between bagels. Second, if you spend more than five minutes in the restaurant you will come out smelling like burnt toast. Third, their roof leaks in heavy rain on your head while you stand in line. Fourth, I hope you like Raisin or Plain bagels, because those are the only two flavors they consistently have in stock. Fifth, if you find you accidentally didn't carry cash into this "apparently" cash-only restaurant, you will be berated by the cashier as you leave (Don't worry, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, I won't be making that mistake again--I won't be coming back). Sixth, the bagels are not nearly fresh enough to be called true Brooklyn style--false advertising. Skip it and go to the Cosi across the street.
(1)Hannah B.
It's probably good that this place doesn't take credit cards..or I'd eat there every morning. They make probably the best bacon egg and cheese I've ever had. The bagels are a pretty big side and they loooaddd it with bacon. Its not like one from other places where they give you a couple slices Also don't be intimidated by the hangover crowd on the weekend, the line moves pretty fast. Even though I started off my review with "It's probably good they don't take credit cards",I do wish they did(reasons for not the full 5 stars) I'm one of those people who never has cash because once I get it, its gone. I have been there when they've let people pay with credit card. Not sure if they know the owners or if they have a big purchase, but they do have an atm in there and there is also a Wells Fargo and Bank of America right around the corner. Overall delicious bagels and bagel sandwichs. A must for every Saturday/Sunday morning for sure.
(4)Matt K.
I live in Long Island so have grown up on the best bagels in the world and especially the best bacon-egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches. Because of this, I didn't even want to try one of these in Virgina. So, I ordered the ROCKAWAY REUBEN and it was delicious!
(4)Timothy M.
Best bagels in Arlington
(5)Paul L.
I have a good friend who really likes this place. It is, indeed, an OK place and I don't regret going. The bagel, their mainstay, is just OK. They are a little doughy. Perhaps I am picky because I am a New Yorker. I probably would have given them four stars if they didn't have Brooklyn in the name. If the premise is a New York bagel, that's what I expect. I ordered a simple egg and cheese w/salt,pepper, ketchup. The egg wasn't enough to cover the bagel, there was not cheese and salt,peper,ketchup on the side. Now, the egg issues was a matter of taste, the cheese was forgivable, but are you really going to call yourself a NYC bagel company and not put the SPK on the bagel for the customer? I have never had a bagel in the five boroughs where I said, salt peper ketchup and they didn't apply it to the sandwich. It's a good spot, but it would be better known as Arlington Bagel Bakery. Although on a fair note, it has epic New York style lines. Depending on the time of day, it has Moses and the Exodus style lines.
(3)Brooke G.
Jew from NJ/NY looking for a good bagel in the DMV area! I tried a few places and *maybe* Bethesda Bagels holds a candle to them, but it was extinguished in due time. I tend to go there every Sunday to grab bagels to bring mom's (of note, she says there's no comparison in the area). They are freshly baked, yum :-) There is a separate line for just bagels (along with cream cheese, whitefish containers, etc...) and they are quick to serve you. However, the line for sandwiches can get a bit long but tends to move quickly. The only downside is that they are cash-only. While I never spend enough to warrant use of a credit card, I don't always carry cash, and have to remember to hit the ATM. It's convenient that there is a B o A right around the corner.
(5)N M.
Fast and yummy. The service while efficient is not pleasant, but they get the job done. If you forget cash, they have an ATM. Busy place on weekends!
(5)Ann B.
The most New Yorkish things about this place are that they're crabby, they only take cash, and it's somewhat awkward to move around in when it's busy. Their bagels are actually pretty decent, though they tend to run out of popular varieties and the outer-bagel seasonings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, salt, etc.) can be sparse to absent. They have a nice variety of stuff like fresh fruit, salads, cookies, etc. and a good beverage selection. Pizza is okay - Goody's is better. The least New Yorkish thing about this place is the amount of cream cheese on my bagel. Their cream cheese schmears are SKIMPY. The goop should be falling on my lap! Things like chicken/tuna salad get piled on in great heaping mounds... why not the cream cheese? Sheesh.
(3)Taieb Z.
Best bagels in DMV area !!!
(5)C H.
Great Bagel for a good Price. Its a good sign when the entire shop is full at 0930 on Sunday morning. They didn't get a 5th Star because the coffee was not fresh and a bit weak. Other than the coffee I would highly recommend Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)Jason K.
Good lox and cream cheese. My friends were somewhat disappointed with their stuff but mine was great.
(3)C M.
One time I was trying to motivate myself to go on a 7-8 mile run. I reeeally didn't want to. What, I thought, could possibly be a great enough reward to run that far at 8 AM on a Saturday morning? And then it hit me: an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich on an everything bagel from Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse. THE ONLY THING WORTH RUNNING FOR. Thus, I ran all the way from NW DC, across bridges and up ENDLESS HILLS, to Arlington just to get a bagel from this place. It was entirely worth it. The bagels are fresh and chewy, not bread-y. They fry real eggs (not yellowish circles of rubber) for their breakfast sandwiches. The staff is efficient and speedy (I don't find them rude at all). To think I once lived just down the street! Why didn't I eat here every single day? Why don't they open like 10 more locations? Why are bagel options so terrible in DC? Whyyyyyy??
(5)Nicky B.
I eat Brooklyn bagel about once a week (would be more if my metabolism would just go back to its pre-teen state) and today while chomping on my everything bagel with cream cheese and tomato, I felt compelled to write a review. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet, because it is HANDS DOWN the BEST bagel in DC. Now, if you know bagels, you'll know that this does not say much, but still, they're really good. I recommend the jalapeno and cheddar (it's not that spicy, but it's good) or an everything bagel. The reviews that say this place isn't like New York's bagels, get a life people. I've had some pretty crappy bagels in New York too. For DC, this place is as good as you get. They also have pizza at lunch which is pretty good for a grab and go slice in the area. Take cash, no credit card accepted here!
(5)Jason F.
I recently moved to DC--our Nation's capital--from New York--our Nation's bagel capital. As an open bagel-a-holic, I anticipated suffering some serious withdrawal when I left NYC. Why? I couldn't believe that a decent bagel could be found below the Mason-Dixon Line. I thought that DC-metro-area bagel quality would be Dead Sea low. Itching for a fix, one day I decided to give Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a try. To my surprise, it wasn't pretty decent. Not as good as NY, but it'll satisfy my bagel craving for as long as I live in Arlington.
(4)Derek H.
I went to this place at about 2:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon. It was like walking into a scene from Braveheart; just the bloody remains of a terrible battlefield. It was a surreal experience. Empty napkin holders, overflowing trashcans, war-weary staff, drained coffee canisters, syrup-starved soda machines... It looked like a hurricane had come through. Which is easy to understand when you consider this is the best bagel shop in the greater Arlington area and people, they love their goddamn bagels. I recommend it for that purpose alone. They have great homemade bagels, a nice variety of cold cut and breakfast sandwiches, and the usual ye ole bagel shoppe accompaniments (like decent coffee). There is nothing extraordinary here; just a solid joint that does what they advertise with very little fuss. It is too bad that Brooklyn Bagel is squeezed into that little strip of courthouse bars/restaurants there. If it was easier to get there via car, I'd make it a more routine destination. But then again, going by at 10 AM on a Sunday and I'd I have to say, I kind of doubt they're hurting for my business.
(3)Patrick G.
I consider myself a lentil soup conniseur & they have some of the best (house made) I've ever had! I am addicted to theirs. I wish I could say the same about their rude/indifferent staff. It would make the experience more pleasant if they were more friendly. The lentil soup gets 5 stars, however, the staff only get 1 star. Sorry
(3)David K.
I'm not an expert on bagels or New York or New York style bagels. But I do consider myself an expert on breakfast sandwiches having experienced fast food breakfasts at at least 15 fast food chains. I can safely say the sausage egg and cheese bagel on a jalapeno cheese bagel is the best I've ever had. I routinely drive across the county to wait in a huge Saturday morning line for this sandwich, and will continue too. Be aware that it will be very crowded at all times during the morning and weekends. There is limited seating inside, a bit outside, so take out makes sense. Often, they will have the bagel machine turned on so you can see how the bagels were made. This is also a pretty dog friendly location with the outdoor seating, and many local residents bring their dogs here while they enjoy the food. Note that it is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM on the premises. Also note that they spelled their own name wrong on the logo printed on the glass front door. For some reason I always get a kick out of this. I'm obviously easily entertained which is probably why my favorite movies are Captain Ron and Freddy Got Fingered.
(5)Kristin W.
Definitely one of the best bagel spots in the DC area. Fresh, soft bagels in a variety of flavors and tasty cream cheese are available if you can brave the curt efficiency of the employees behind the counter.
(4)Aaron P.
I can't speak to everything on the menu, but the toasted onion bagel with cream cheese makes me wish my flight home to California was delayed. Are bagels allowed as a carry-on?
(5)Justin C.
Nicole was having a huge bagel craving after missing out on her office's free bagels which were of course brought in during Yom Kippur when she couldn't eat them. I decided to scan Yelp for somewhere not too far (I didn't feel like going into the city just for bread) with a good reputation and came upon BBB. We got there later in the day, around 2pm on a Sunday, so pretty much all of our first choices for bagel type were sold out. From the few remaining options I chose the jalapeno & cheddar bagel as the basis for my BLT+cheese. I was quite unhappy, and most likely would have given them 2 stars had Nicole not enjoyed hers and the fact we arrived so late. To me, the bagel tasted very little like either jalapeno OR cheddar, and was tough for this style of bagel. The cheese on the sandwich tasted just like those little slices in the plastic your mom used to put on your sandwiches, yuck. There was almost no bacon or tomato, so I wound up with essentially a lettuce and mayo sandwich. Also, the drinks from the refrigerator are not cold, so I suggest getting a cup of ice from the fountain machine.
(3)Elina T.
Only bagel place in the DC area that serves authentic, NY-style bagels. I can judge 'cause I'm from Brooklyn! The bagels are always fresh (you can see the staff making them in the back) and, even though it's always packed in the mornings, they take your order very fast and never mess it up. I always get the bagel with lox and they give you a very generous portion of lox as well. Their sandwiches are very good also, I like the Coney Island. The owner is also really friendly and he works the line just like anybody else. He always recognizes us when we come in.
(5)Tu-van L.
Never actually stepped foot into the place, but the two times I've had bagels brought over from this place I've been impressed. The bagels are HUGE with the right ratio of chewy and crunchy. The first instance was half of a sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox. That half filled me plenty for my morning event. The second instance was an assortment of bagels with cream cheese and some lox. While the plain bagels were warm and chewy, the everything bagel was disappointing. As my favorite bagel flavor, the everything was hard and tough to chew with not much "everything" on it. Nevertheless both those bagels with the fixings were enough to fill me the entire day. If I'm in the neighborhood during the day, I'd definitely stop by for some other bagel sandwich options. Can only imagine how much bigger their sandwiches are with those HUGE bagels.
(4)Jack F.
Not sure how Brooklyn Bagel Bakery ("BBB") stacks up against a real NYC deli but it certainly exudes the same NY attitude - impatient, entitled, and "what's it to you." BBB certainly has a huge morning following. The bagels are undoubtedly large and crusty (see Percy W.). Hygiene, however, might be questionable. When I purchased a pre-packaged container of cream cheese, it looked like it had already been used (knife marks), there was a short strand of hair on the bagels (not mine), and I even noticed a tiny bug. Individually, none of these instances would bother me but taken altogether, I'm having second thoughts. Bottom Line: Verdict is still out but I'm willing to try again. [Original Visit: November 14, 2010]
(3)Brandi H.
I've only ever been here for breakfast. It's good, but it's not Brooklyn style. They don't have kaiser rolls available for breakfast sandwiches...ever hear of a Breakfast Special? It's a NY area signature, along with a Hungry Man Hero. They could easily make these if they had the bread. And even in NYC they don't rush the line like they do here.
(3)JJ K.
As a former Jerseyan, I am very particular about my bagels. No snobbery here; those from the NYC area just have been spoiled. When I moved to the area several years ago and saw this joint, I silently scoffed at the name. But of course I had to test it out. My verdict? Authentic taste! I would not go anywhere else in the area for a bagel. Every time I have a bagel from here, I am taken back to my childhood in the armpit of America. Absolutely recommended!
(5)Joseph B.
Where else would you go for a quick breakfast sandwich? Significantly better coffee and bagels than DD. The lunch menu is just as good...I think I ordered the Williamsburg so many times in the last 12 months it really would not surprise me if I turned into one. Great sandwich, worth the $6.
(4)Andrew H.
I'm going to preface this by saying: I KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT WHAT MAKES A BAGEL AUTHENTIC OR NOT That being said, I really enjoyed this little place. I was in town on business for a week, staying at the Courtyard stop (not a whole lot going on there, honestly) I was looking for a breakfast place close to the hotel and ended up eating at this little hole-in-the-wall almost every day. Bagels had a good balance of tough and chew. I really liked the bacon, egg, and cheese bagels. Bacon had the perfect level of crispiness. Their OJ is REALLY good, and REALLY expensive ($2.50). The service is a bit...short...rude...and downright surly, but that didn't bother me *too* much. Also, be warned: THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY.
(4)Alexandra M.
OVERVIEW: Ohmygod amazing! Best. Bagel. Place. They have great home-made bagels and bagel sandwiches, especially for some one who is hung over on a Saturday morning. It is a tiny place and it is CASH ONLY. The service is loud, fast, and totally awake, unlike I was. How does a bagel place get a 5-star rating? By having the best bagels, preparing bagel sandwiches fresh right in front of you with amazing/fresh ingredients, always being crammed full of hungry people ( a sure sign of a great food find), and totally satisfying/curing hangovers! That is how! A friend of mine took me here one Saturday morning (you know those days where you throw on sweats, glasses, and a ball cap? Yeah, one of those) because I said I just wanted an Einstein bagel or something. I am SO glad he brought me to this local gem instead. The place is basically a long row house with a counter running the length of it. They have tons of different types of bagels (made fresh) and once you've selected what you want (bagel with schmear or a sandwich etc) you basically follow your bagel down the assembly line counter and watch the guys behind the counter work their bagel magic. The servers and bagel magicians were pretty loud, and definitely trying to move the line along; some Yelpers said that this was a negative. I think it's great. It was a very fun experience. It definitely helped wake me up! It IS cash-only, but I have come to discover that almost ALL my favorite places in Arlington are cash-only.
(5)Leese H.
Be aware that the bagels are somewhat dry. I come back because it's one of the few quick in-and-out breakfast places in the area. There's scattered seating in the back, and some open seating outside of store when the weather is warm. My favorite is the lox with tomato, red onions and capers. Great place for a fast carb-fix after a rough hangover.
(3)Kara B.
Best bagel spot in the area! From breakfast sandwiches to the surprisingly delicious pizza bagel for lunch - it's worth a visit. It's incredible how the staff keeps all the orders going with the crowds on the weekends, but I've never seen them make a mistake. Note: Cash only. Seating is tight but there's high turnover.
(4)Larry F.
Having worked around the corner from this restaurant for almost three years, I stop in regularly at least twice a week - usually once for a bagel and cr cheese, and once for a sausage/egg/cheese sandwich. It is a very popular restaurant - there is usually a line at times you would expect, but there are plenty of staff and it goes very very quickly. The bagels are reminiscent of NYC...light and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and there are plenty of varieties always available. In addition to the normal selections, they also make a french toast bagel which you could easily eat without any additional topping. They sell a large variety of homemade cream cheeses. My favorites are the lox spread, maple walnut, and especially the garlic cr cheese. They offer a plain lite spread, but they could do well by offering other flavors in lite as well. Their breakfast sandwiches are decent, but I always have to remember to ask for salt and pepper...they can sometimes tend to be a little flat on flavor. Lunch sandwiches are decent as well, but I tend to stick with breakfast fare at this establishment. The one drawback is they only take cash.
(4)Angela M.
Best bagel place ever!
(5)Geoff P.
I don't care about how authentic they may or may not be; all I know is that the Brooklyn Bagel makes my favorite bagels in the DC area! The egg and cheese bagel sandwiches are excellent as well. While the staff may sometimes be a bit terse during the late morning rush, I find them to be very efficient and accommodating as long as you are prepared to order and are understanding that it can get very busy on weekend mornings.
(5)Jess M.
Best sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel you can get in town! The service is friendly and to the point, the atmosphere is always busy. Credit cards aren't accepted here, so don't forget your cash!
(4)Scott B.
Visiting from out of town. Did a quick Yelp and found BBB was the place for bagels. Indeed, the reviews were correct and I'm glad I went with an everything bagel. The strawberry cream cheese was a little disappointing, as it was pink with little strawberry flavor. Coffee is good and enjoyed watching the bagels being made as I ate. Give it a try...
(4)Frank W.
A snug place to grab food with friends. The food is nice and the guys in this store are friendly.
(5)Ryan F.
After a raucous night out, most weekend mornings I'm feelin a bit less spry than I usually do. After waking up and completing the 3 S's I like to mosey my way into Brooklyn Bagel for some dank doughy deliciousness. The bacon, egg, and Cheese is my path the enlightenment and a more pleasant day. Sure the bagel folk are a bit surly (except the cute cashier), but you're probably being an retard holding up the line. So don't hold up the line, we all need our goddamn bagels! Don't make me have to choke a bitch!
(5)M L.
It's all been said: good bagels, nazi ordering process, crowded, takes only cash. But good overall and now my go to place for bagel cravings. Did anyone mention they have lox? I enjoy lox. Try a bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers.
(4)Serena B.
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. It was a Sunday morning, so crowds are to be expected, but it was pretty chaotic. To keep it simple, I had a sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese. That cream cheese was the most vile kind that I have ever had in my life. It was completely artificial in both taste and look- disgusting! The bagel wasn't anything to write home about either. I also noticed that several people were waiting for more coffee to be brewed as they were all out. Maybe it was an off day, but I thought it was terrible.
(2)Autumn B.
I stumbled into this place driving down Wilson Blvd and I noticed a line out the door on a Saturday morning. I found a spot and moseyed in. They've got a broad selection of bagels and sandwiches they make for any meal. Since it was morning, I had a sausage, egg & cheese and it was divine! The BLT is wonderful, as are the bagels & lox, as I've discovered on subsequent visits. I've found its easiest to park in the courthouse parking lot rather than try to find street parking. This place is a great spot for breakfast on the weekend, though be prepared for crowds.
(5)Billgrolic G.
Everything bagel, egg, cheese, some sort of breakfast meat. The best bagels I've had in the area. Had good lox here, as well. Be ready and sure of yourself when you place your order. The bagel guys behind the counter can smell fear (or how hungover you are).
(5)Ampersand A.
If you glance through the reviews below, you'll notice words like "terse" and "surly" and "bagel nazis." I've always noticed how angry the staff seems to be. Yes, the bagels are good. They are too big for most toasters though, and are too big for the average adult. Portion inflation? So -- angry, terse, surly service, good bagels -- and some kind of weird family dynamic going on with the servers. Like the brothers are angry that people are talking to their sister, and the sister is really intimidated by the brothers, but still wants to serve the customers.
(3)Gabriel B.
The bagels are better than any I've found in Northern Virginia, but the customer service is atrocious. I bought a cup of tea which was only filled half way with hot water. When I asked the cashier to finish filling the cup, I got a death stare before she did it. I certainly shouldn't be subjected to abuse to get what I paid for.
(2)Kate T.
Bacon, egg & cheese on an onion bagel....the official hangover cure In my world. I LOVE this place (even if I'm not hungover haha). I love everything about it... They don't take cash, it's a tiny place, the staff is a little abrasive..I don't care I love it. Those guys can move! I timed it once on a Sunday morning and even though I was like 20 deep in line, I was in and out within 10 minutes. They have amazing sandwiches for lunch, fresh interesting bagel flavors, GREAT coffee and yummy spreads. Now I'm hungry...I think I'll go there for lunch!
(5)Charlie T.
The best bagel sandwiches in town. Sausage, egg and cheese on everything.
(4)Ron G.
The food here is simply awesome. Probably the best bagel spot in the DC area and the food doesn't disappoint. It can get a bit crowded at times but if you have the patience, you will be back again and again.
(4)Jim B.
awesome bagels here. Maybe best I have ever had. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there is a huge line of extremely hungover people. Absolutely awesome egg sandwiches. Really miss this place...
(5)Remy K.
The best bagels on the east coast. I was recently in New York city and went to one of the highest rated bagels stores, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery bagels were much better and much closer
(5)Sonia R.
I got there every weekend the service is fast and there are many options for a yummy breakfast. They opened of Christmas and New Years day. I tried a few different bagels and my favorite is asiago. It is amazing! Their vanilla latte is very good too and better with a biscotti.
(5)Lauren J.
Not NYC, but damn close. Kind of had the feel of a NYC bagel shop with 75% of the attitude. Seriously though, the bagels are great. The variety of bagel and cream cheese flavors are really good. The coffee set up area (cream, sugar, etc) was cramped and could have been more efficient. This is not NYC, but trying to get a packet of sugar in your coffee made it feel like midtown manhattan.
(4)Hannah W.
This place has a long line in the morning, but fear not: the efficient staff behind the counter keep things moving pretty quickly. Also the bagels - crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside - are totally worth the wait.
(4)John B.
Hmm. I hate this "neighborhood." But I guess this isn't the place for hate. So, well, the bagels are pretty good. And surprisingly, they're actually bagels (as opposed to overinflated mounds of insipid dough). Crunch and texture, which is more than I can say for most bagels in my old hometown (the bakery's namesake). I'm the kind of person who'd rather not hear about how epic your night was if I don't know you. If you're my kind of person, you probably won't want to dine on site. A surprising number of collegiate eye-rollers seem to feel that waves of Captain Morgan nausea are the perfect fodder for breakfast table conversation. Is this what the bagel has been reduced to? Sop up for your gross, loud hangover?
(4)Koko O.
It's Sunday morning, you unstick your face from the cold bathroom tile floor and unwrap your arms from around the toilet. You feel gross, dirty, and used. You glance in the mirror and wipe away the horror movie mascara streaks running down your cheeks. You're ravenous--everything you consumed in the last 24H has been expelled in the commode. You want, no you NEED something hot and greasy, stat! Thank Jesus Herbert Christ that Brooklyn Bagel exists! Change out of your Walk O' Shame clothes and drag your ass to this promiseland of bagels and pizza and sandwiches. However, be warned: 1. Cash Only; why else do you think they have that archaic ATM right at the entrance? 2. Long lines; this is because these bagel sandwiches are ambrosia and word gets out. Also, the line gives you time to scan the menu so as to avoid . . . 3. NO BAGEL FOR YOU! These guys are bagel nazis. Seriously. They run a tight ship, plus it shouldn't take a grown ass adult more than 90 seconds to know what kind of bagel s/he wants. They yell. Loudly. It's scarey. BBB makes their bagels in house--if you can find a seat in the joint then check out the poor guy charged with sticking his hands in that hot bagel water then shoving those puppies in the Hansel & Gretel oven. It borders on sweatshoppery but his painful screams translate to tastey cinnamon raisin bagels.
(5)Danielle M.
I'm from New Jersey where the bagels are excellent and these bagels are a close second. Although be aware that they only take cash.
(5)Meghan B.
The bagels are absolutely delicious, and you can watch them make them while you eat. I had an egg and cheese on wheat with hot sauce and ketchup two days in a row because it was just that good. It's a small restaurant and always seems to be packed (especially on New Year's Day morning haha), but the line moves very quickly. The workers have a great system down. One thing I didn't like -- the first time I went I asked for lettuce and tomato on my bagel also, and somehow that led to an extra $1.50 charge. That seemed steep given that the egg and cheese is closer to $3.00 or $3.50 by itself. So, I would just order an actual sandwich bagel that already comes with some veggies on it if that's what you want to beat the extra charge.
(4)Riley S.
Comme Ci, Comme Ça. Calling these New York bagels? Errr I don't think I can give them that title. No one can make NYC bagels except NYC itself, yes it's common knowledge but I figured reiterating it might make me feel better about spending money on a mediocre bagel and coffee. I went once, I might go back again but I don't have any intention on it. I ordered an asiago bagel with cream cheese, tomato, capers and onions - it was okay at best. There was the faintest trace of asiago in the bagel and definitely nothing to write home about. It was well organized military style ordering - the menu is above your head I suggest you be ready before they're ready for you! Tips: 1. It is cash ONLY - no credit cards are accepted. 2. It's a bagel joint, it's going to be cramped - take it home or post up on benches outside. There are plenty of places to eat in Courthouse, be creative. 3. The Bagel Nazis definitely live up to their name, just expect it and you won't be offended. 4. The coffee cups are weak - there is no barrier between your hand and the lava coffee you just poured.
(2)Melissa F.
Five stars for NYC bagel authenticity. As a native New Yorker, this is where I go when I crave a bagel and cream cheese that doesn't need to be toasted to taste good. If you know neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll get an extra kick out of realizing that the names of the sandwiches are spot on (e.g., the Howard Beach for an Italian one with mozzarella, roasted peppers, etc.). As folks have mentioned, you should know what you want when you approach the counter. For some this may seem rude - to me it feels like home, and helps ensure that service is speedy. If you follow the rules, you'll actually find service to be friendly :) Ooh and try the fresh squeezed OJ - it's worth the price!
(5)May T.
Seriously the best bagel I have ever had. Their everything bagel has toppings on the bottom of their bagel as well as the top. It's got airy pockets and it's perfectly chewy. Really no need to toast unless you're eating it a day or two old. I showed up 10 minutes before they opened and they didn't look the slightest bit annoyed. LOVE THEM.
(5)Daniel B.
For the DC area this is the closest you are going to come to the NYC experience (I have lived there and this place feels right). From the cash bias to the focused on efficiency employees (really, how nice to they have to be? Just get me my bagel and do it right, that is all I ask, in particular in the morning). Their salt bagels are great (though they often sell out) and overall their bagels are just right..... Now this review only applies to the bagels or the bagel sandwiches, since that is all I ever get here.
(5)Galen W.
I went to Brooklyn Bagel Saturday morning for a quick, late breakfast. Was quite happy with my bacon, egg and cheese everything bagel. My girlfriend was equally pleased with her ham and cheese plain bagel. My coffee was fine as well, although nothing special. Service was quick despite a bit of a line when we arrived. The indoor seating is a bit cramped, but fine for a quick meal, which is what your getting here. Very noise when they are running the bagel making machine, but I did enjoy watching the process, as you can see through glass and watch them make the bagels. I'll definitely be stopping buy again when I'm looking for a breakfast sandwich.
(4)Amanda B.
Big, fresh bagels. Lots of variety - french toast bagel, anyone? And great sandwich options with simple, fresh ingredients. They actually fry up the eggs for breakfast sandwiches right then. Definitely feels like you are in New York (attitude and all). But totally worth it. Also, it's really cool to watch them actually making the bagels from the dining area. If you can get a seat.
(5)Keri M.
I love the smoked whitefish salad here. The salad tastes fresh, in the same way that hummus is best when you first open the container from the store. And it makes for a very filling sandwich. But my bagel wasn't that fresh. This place is a madhouse on weekend mornings, but they move you through the line very quickly.
(3)Bill G.
In Courthouse, you can't get a better breakfast sandwich. My recommendations, the french toast bagel and the jalapeno cheddar bagel, depending on your mood. Their lunch is also great, but i frequent for breakfast more often. as for the bagel nazi comments, i call BS. these guys are efficient. the can make a fresh breakfast sandwich from scratch with the speed and efficiency of a nascar pit tcrew. don't mess with their flow and know what you want when you order, and they will be polite and friendly.
(4)Jonathan S.
This is a neighborhood staple for those in the Clarendon, Courthouse and Rosslyn areas (and I've heard of people coming from much further for their spectacular bagels). Like one of the earlier reviewers, I grew up in northern NJ and I'd consider myself a pretty accomplished authority on bagels. Compared to where I grew up, we live in the South (yeah I know, it's like the pretend South and it's full of carpetbaggers like me, but outside of chains like Bruegger's (which I don't care for) and Einstein Bros. (which is slightly better) you never find good bagels south of...I dunno...let's say Delaware. Certainly not south of the Mason-Dixon - and let's face it, we're in a state with a highway named after the president of the Confederacy). I don't know what it is about this place, but they hit the nail on the head. My dad always insisted that it's the local water that determines a good bagel (kind of like how the unique cocktail of yeasts in the air in San Francisco renders it the only air that can make their particular brand of sourdough). I don't know what it is, but it's working. They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and they use enough salt in the mix to make them taste right. They also slather on the cream cheese and provide generous helpings of lox (my usual). Don't hesitate to try the whitefish salad either, it's smoky and delicious. I took off one star because they have a tendency to mess up your order from time to time (and they can be a little pushy - see below references to the "soup-nazi" in earlier reviews). Also, I've noticed mold on the potato knishes they've had out on display in the past, and that's gross (but forgivable in my opinion, given the quality of their main product).
(4)Mai K.
I am so glad that Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is close by. I miss a good bagel -- crusty on the outside, and mochi-mochi soft on the inside. There is nothing like a fresh bagel, though my waistline was happier without the unhealthy relationship with this carb.... Now that is over. I'm done. This wknd, I was seriously craving a bagel-and-lox with tomato, cucumber, and capers. And there it was, out of a dream, wrapped in wax paper and perfect. Friends were very happy with the blueberry bagel and shmears, too. Getting my carbohydrates on tomorrow before work, without apology.
(4)Jeremy B.
Bacon. Egg. Cheese. Everything Bagel. Enough said, right? Well OK, I'll say a little more. This place is so jumpin that it can be a real turnoff. I'm here to tell you that you MUST wait through the lines, you've gotta let people behind you try and steal your bagel when they call it out, they're trying to steal it because they know everything here is so good it doesnt even matter if they get what they ordered, they just want it faster! An overcrowded place can be a killer for me, but this is one place I think you gotta fight through the crowded of still half drunk 20-somethings and get your fix. When it nicer I love sitting out on the sidewalk and just enjoying the morning.
(4)Bryant W.
The best bagel in DC. I love the Everything Bagel with Lox. The only downside is they only take cash.
(4)A A.
I'll keep this one simple, since there's not much to it. Definitely some of the best bagels in the area and there's a lot to choose in terms of bagel sandwiches. The prices seem reasonable and it's a good bang for your buck. I noticed they have a huge selection of juice choices in case you're a juice freak. It's annoying that it's cash only, but there's an ATM inside. Every time I've gone there has been a wait, as it is in the heart of Courthouse and that area is always busy. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you get there early enough. Not sure why anyone would go to any other bagel place with this in close proximity.
(4)Matherine G.
Positive: Delicious bagel sandwiches. Probably the best we've had in the DC area. Located in a nice area in Arlington. Negative: The inside can be a bit cramped. We agree with several of the reviewers that this place is sort of a "don't chat, don't look, just order fast and get the hell out kind of process." Overall: Delicious bagels? Yes please! We enjoy coming here and will be back in the future.
(4)Chuck W.
The rave reviews on Yelp compelled me to try this place out, and I suppose these guys now have a 'Soup Nazi'-like mystique to them. Frankly, at 9am on a Saturday morning, I wasn't really sure what all the hype was all about. I had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel that was supposed to be double-toasted, and wasn't. The price was decent, and it was just OK. I mean, how hard is it to mess up bacon, egg, and cheese? Anyways, I'd say it's a good alternative to Cosi and Corner Bakery in that section of Courthouse, but I'm not jonesing to go there every chance I get. I suppose I should mention it's cash-only, and get there early or else there's a huge line of hungover 20 and 30 somethings ready to get their bagel on.
(3)Maggie H.
Best bagels ever! Get the warm chicken salad and provolone bagel on a multigrain. Get there early though--they sell out quick!
(5)Anne B.
If I could rate the bagels alone, I'd give them 5 stars. You really get the true New York bagel experience when dealing with the guys behind the counter. Brusque for sure. Their pizza is okay, but I'm concerned about how long it sits on the counter neither heated nor refrigerated. Their tuna wraps are good, but nothing special. Decent prices. Smoothies are good, but expect to wait a bit to get one, unless you arrive at a particularly slow part of the day. The cash only deal is stupid. It makes the check out line take longer than it needs to.
(3)Sarah B.
Definitely best bagel spot in the area. Sort of hilarious how surly the staff can be; almost like they are annoyed you are bothering them with your ordering of wonderful bagels. They pull it off though, because this place is the jam.
(4)Maria Q.
I am from Brooklyn. These bagels are NOT!!! They have the consistency of cement and their crust is disgusting, unbrowned sesame bagels, yuck! I don't mean to be offense but seriously I am not sure how anyone could think these Bagels are good. Bethesda Bagel is much better or even Whole Foods.
(1)Lauren R.
Brooklyn Bagel, where have you been all my life? Or at least the last two and a half years of it? I am stoked to finally find a place that serves my favorite food group, the insanely large NY bagel slathered with ridiculous amounts of cream cheese or stacked high with meaty goodness. Easily worth the drive to the other side of Arlington and even the fight to find parking... as far as I know, this is the only place of its type anywhere in the area. The BLT and tuna salad on everything were both awesome, but the toasted onion bagel with lox, capers, sliced red onions, and cream cheese was pure perfection - exactly what I yearn for. Yum. I'm afraid that this discovery is going to cause serious Saturday morning cravings from now on.
(5)Allison G.
Authentic, delicious bagels in Arlington! Thank God, carb lovers unite. Tons of bagel flavors, lots of cream cheese choices, egg, meat, and cheese bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit sides, tons of drink choices, and fast, sassy service. Also got one of their salads to go and had it for lunch and it was fresh and flavorful as well. We go pretty much every weekend, along with every other 18-30 yr. old in Arlington. BRING CASH--that's my least favorite part. But at least it's affordable.
(4)Scott G.
The bagels are excellent. I brought them into a meeting at work and people couldn't stop talking about them. There is one caveat, which is not an issue for me. If you've ever seen the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld, that will give you a good start. Come in, order your bagels, give them cash and leave. Don't expect to get chatty with the help, be humored if you have no idea what you want to order, or get a friendly smile if you want a dozen bagels, each prepared in a different way.
(5)Michelle H.
The best bagels made locally. Not to soft or doughy, good selection of flavors.
(5)bahareh t.
I am at this very moment eating my first bagel from Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and it is delicious!! I walked over this morning got a dozen bagels (the service was super quick and helpful!) and brought them home and had to have one immediately because they smelled so good. They have a nice selection of bagels, including chocolate chip which I'm very excited to try, and lots of bagel sandwiches that looked delicious on other people's plates. I will return often. You should go too!
(5)Justin L.
I reserved judgment my first time here, and have since been back about three times to make sure it wasn't an off day, but I have to say the bagels themselves are just not anything special at all. I come in the morning, when the bagels should be at their freshest and they are often misshaped, mushy and not particularly fresh. Their bagel breakfast sandwiches are bog standard, nothing to complain about and nothing to praise either. The service is quick and efficient (in true NY style), and they do have a great selection of extras like fruit and muffins. The prices are also significantly lower than their competitors in the area, but this is cancelled out by the fact that they are CASH ONLY which is pretty ridiculous and inconvenient.
(3)Melinda S.
The first 2 times I went to Brooklyn Bagel for "NY Bagels" I thought this place was great - perfect NY bagels But today I was very disappointed ... bagels were way too doughy And very few poppy seeds Plus the line was long - and when I inquired whether I needed to stand in the line for prepared food - I was told yes - and others were getting in front of me to buy their bagels. They were rude and not friendly ... It was also almost $10 for 6 bagels and a small creamcheeze - a bit pricey! I'm not sure I will every go back ... especially since the bagels were not up to par ... Anyone know of any great NY bagels joints - other than The Bagel up in Tysons?
(3)Laura H.
Okay, this isn't H&H, but these are really tasty bagels for Arlington, VA. I particularly like the cinnamon raisin and the salt varieties, but there are a ton of flavor options as long as you get here before noon. Bagels are less dense than the typical chain restaurant variety, i.e. "new york style." One thing I especially like about the store is the bagel and spread only express line... it really cuts down the wait time and since I've come here right after a long run... it also keeps me from getting too cranky. All of the egg sandwiches look delish, so I will be trying one soon... A small patio seating area adds to the charm.
(4)Joye P.
Last weekend I was there before noon and got an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese. It was very good. My only complaint is that the bagels are large and doughey. So you New Yorkers, who prefer the smaller, lighter bagel may be disappointed. However, the goods are fresh and are prepared quickly. The bread was of good flavor. It's a popular place, and one of the better places in the Courthouse area to get a fresh bagel. I recommend.
(4)J W.
Great bagels and even better if you get that bagel sandwich with egg.cheese.meat. Be prepared to know what you want. You feel like you walked in to the Seinfeld episode with the soupnazi. Tip- if you drive, take a friend and park right out front while they man the car. Or take extra time to park and on Saturdays you can also visit the farmer's market across the street.
(5)Taylor G.
My favorite bagel place in my 'hood. I should really try to go more often. Anyhow, great bagels and good coffee. They're pretty quick. The one annoying thing is that they're cash only.
(4)Tsvetomir H.
Bay ridge bagel sandwich is the bomb. They bake all their bagels on the premises which are over 9 kinds. The only inconvenience is that they accept CASH ONLY. So if you have plans to get a breakfast sandwich and coffee there grab a few dollars on your way there.
(4)Ross M.
quick tastey bagel, i'll be going back.
(4)Rachael D.
You know, I heard this place was good, so I went to check it out, but I just really wasn't that impressed. I got an iced soy latte and a bagel with tuna salad on it. Enjoyed the latte, but the bagelwich tasted weird. I threw away half of it uneaten. I later ended up getting pretty sick. Now admittedly, I don't have the strongest of stomachs, but this seemed a bit too coincidental. I'll probably go back for the coffee and the bagels with cream cheese in the future, but I'll avoid their 'home-made' salads in the future.
(2)Cameron T.
The bagels were pretty good, but anyone who thinks they are totally authentic NY bagels has never lived there. Something about the consistency was not quite right, but they were still yummy! I really liked the Everything bagel. Great flavor, without going crazy on the garlic or onion. The blueberry bagels were just okay. Not a whole lot of blueberry flavor, kind of bland. Hated the strawberry cream cheese. The bright pink coloring caught me off guard and had a slight artificial taste to it. Lined moved very fast and I guess i got lucky because the guy who took my order was super nice! Overall, it's not perfect but good enough to be a regular spot for a bagel craving.
(3)Paul W.
I live right behind this place so I come here often. This is a dependable place to get fresh bagels made from scratch, but I personally think the prices are WAY too expensive. I actually give them 3.5 stars, because they're food is fresh, reliable, and good. However, nothing really stands out as incredible.
(3)AgentxAngel X.
Meh. The bagels left me very underwhelmed.
(3)Alena C.
Delicious, authentic bagels with yummy cream cheese and awesome sandwiches. My boyfriend and I are obsessed with this place - we come here pretty much every weekend, along with all the other yuppie Arlington couples. Don't let the lines deter you, they do move very quickly (other Yelpers who likened this to the Soup Nazi are right on). We never have a problem finding seating, and we particularly like sitting by the window where we can view rows upon rows of bagels on conveyor belts -- it's strangely hypnotic. My favorite bagel sandwich here is the one with hummus and sprouts. It leaves me stuffed and ready to hit the nearby flea market. My only complaint is not taking plastic -- isn't it time to enter the 21st century? I hate paying the ATM fees!
(5)Hannah B.
The best place for NYC bagels! I haven't ventured past the basic egg and sausage on a bagel but they have tons of options. They get a line but they know how to keep it moving...Just remember to bring CASH!
(4)Michael B.
Maybe it was the high expectations. Or maybe it was the mediocre bagel. Nevertheless, I ate a tuna melt. And left rather unsatisfied. I think the bagel was too doughy. I think that is it. Since its SO CLOSE to my apt., I am EXTREMELY disappointed.
(2)Vicki M.
The bagels here are excellent, as are the toppings. My particular favorite sandwich is the lox and cream cheese, with red onions, tomatoes, and capers on an "everything" bagel. The breakfast sandwiches are also tasty and fresh, and use real eggs. The only downside is the pretentious yuppie crowd, 90% of which work in the "consulting" industry . Also, the coffee is only so-so (and they are always out of milk/half and half), but the food more than makes up for it.
(5)S S.
First, the food: Meh-. It's just not that good, nor is it memorable. Well, I guess I will remember the awful fruit cup that had 2 grapes, one piece of pineapple and a whole bunch of flavorless honeydew melon. Second, the service: Somewhere between surly and standoffish. Third, the payment method: Cash only is pretty lame, especially when there's no sign posted saying that it's cash only. But hey, they do provide an ATM right by the register so you can, you know, pay an extra $1.50 for your food because you assumed they'd be technologically up to date for 1995. Fourth, the drinks: $0.50 for soda refills? That's tackier than...well....something that's really tacky. It's actually hard for me to think of something tackier that a fast food restaurant could do.
(1)Lucas K.
I just don't understand the draw of this place. It's always packed and I can't figure out why. The staff is always extremely rude (think: Soup Nazi-like). Don't even dare trying to engage any of the people behind the counter in conversation. They never have what I want to order and post things on their menu just to tell you that they don't offer them on weekends!? Very little seating in or out. Seems like many people on the weekends just go sit at California Tortilla's tables. I will give them credit for making their bagels on-site, but I find them small and again, lacking in selection. CASH ONLY: C'mon get with the times.
(2)Amanda C.
Soft and doughy, just the way I like them! A very reasonably-priced place to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and fresh-squeezed OJ. We love going here on Saturday mornings and then walking over to the Courthouse Farmers Market.
(5)Travis P.
Best Bagels in DC area!
(5)Brian J.
love the bagels. hate the bagel nazis. i don't mind the crowds. the bagels are delicious, so it's worth the wait...right? maybe not. i get it. you have to keep the line moving, especially during peak hours. but all the yelling, screaming, glaring, talking trash, and just general shit attitudes all the employees have are really unnecessary... there are a million better ways to keep the line moving than their bagel nazi style. and don't tell me you buy into their "brooklyn" attitude nonsense - they're not that smart, and they're definitely not new yorkers. these guys and their attitudes have more in common with the dump i took this morning than they do a proper brooklyn bagel joint. i'd rather go somewhere with bagels slightly less good than deal with these dickbags anymore. the entire experience takes away from the seemingly simple task of just enjoying your bagel.
(1)Colin L.
Ok, I got lucky on parking and pulled right up to the place. It's not easy to spot the first time you drive by. I'm from Texas, but the NY coffee shop there makes the bagels that I love the most. My dad is from Brooklyn and he goes there everyday. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes bagels in the same style, which I believe is the best tasting. This place takes NY bagels and gives them new lives. Bagels become sandwiches, and tuna melts become delicacies. Never have I ever had a better Tuna Gouda melt. I also had the Coney Island, which was awesome. The chicken was big and juicy, and the peppers and onions were many and spicy. Recommend this to your friends who aren't bagel lovers. But why would you go there if you don't love bagels? Well, it's a good restaurant anyways. Back to the basics, they do Bagels justice. I'm going to show up to work on my first day with a bag full of bagels.
(5)Ryan S.
When I'm walking by there in the morning on an empty stomach, I can't help but be drawn to it. Freakin' great breakfast bagel sandwiches. My staple is the bacon-egg-cheese on everything bagel. Coffee isn't great, but good enough. Tip: Often their coffee is too hot, but adding just 2-4 ice cubes from the soda fountain will make it cool enough to drink (but still quite hot). There are several reasons I can think of to dock it a star. Staff is typically gruff. I've seen exceptions (yesterday the cashier was unprecedentedly friendly to an old woman who was taking forever to find her wallet in her purse). Much of the gruffness is due in large part to keep the line moving (nearly always a line, which moves quickly, during peak hours). One more tip: If you want the full selection of bagels, don't come late. They WILL run out of lots of bagels.
(5)Matt D.
They have the best bagels I have ever tasted, hands down. They bake their bagels fresh every day, so its pratically impossible to get a stale bagel from this place. All of their bagels are jumbo size, no mini bagels here. There are non-stop long lines on the weekends. It doesn't really matter if you show up at 10 in the morning or 1 in the afternoon. Don't be discouraged about the long lines, they move quickly. The guys that run the place are all business. I was a little annoyed that they don't take credit cards, but its a minor issue.
(4)Rachel E.
**CASH ONLY** There is an ATM in the bakery. My egg and cheese on sesame bagel was very good, nicely toasted with some veggies on it. I'm picky with chai, but Brooklyn's vanilla chai was rich and yummy. There's also a chocolate chai that I want to try next time. Parking can be tricky, but there is a small lot in the back. I was there on Sunday and didn't have problems finding a spot, but it was very busy.
(4)Meaghin K.
I go here about once a month for a weekend bagel: one of their delicious cream cheeses on blueberry or chocolate chip. My favorite bagel though is by far the chicken salad on multigrain or whole wheat. Add a side of chips and a Nantucket Nectar and that's just about a perfect lunch. They are cash only and you need to have your order ready ahead of time--they like to move you through!!
(4)David D.
Completely GREASY bagel egg sandwich. DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!! The quality is a near equivalent to McDonalds egg bagel... if you want the grease, save the money and go to McD.
(1)Justin E.
This place is great for breakfast or lunch. They only accept case though.
(4)Dian C.
I went early one morning to pick up a bunch of bagels to bring into work. I knew they were good when a coworker commented, "Now those are the real deal." I went at 7am so there was no line. The bagels are probably slightly more expensive than elsewhere, but in my opinion totally worth it.
(4)Jon B.
Went for the first time last week after reading the reviews. Interestingly I used to live between Rosslyn and Courthouse, but never stopped in to get the food. I had a bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and tomato. The service was pretty good (it was empty at the time..11 am on a Wednesday), and the sandwich was good.) I should note that it did not seem as greasy as a lot of breakfast sandwiches tend to be. I also had an iced coffee which I thought had good flavor. The bagel itself seemed to be a very good flavor and taste. Was very plump and properly cooked as it is supposed to be. I plan on coming back to get some more bagels to go (I am a pumpernickel fan to the max and also want to try their "everything") as well as making it a normal stop when people are in from out of town that love good eats. I think it is locally owned and operated and not a chain which to me makes it even better to support it. Local places that serve bad food can go away and die, but how can't you love the little guy who makes big taste?
(4)Valerie K.
Love Brooklyn Bagel.. go here for my monthly bagel craving. Cream cheese/lox bagel is awesome.
(4)Lyndsey T.
As a Jersey native (No, I don't know Snooki or The Situation...) I'm a self-proclaimed bagel snob. So much so that I usually don't even bother eating bagels down here and my only other bagel review on Yelp is my favorite bagel place in NJ. That being said, I have officially given the seal of approval to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. It's obviously not on the same level as NJ/NY bagels, but I thoroughly enjoyed my toasted everything with cream cheese, lox and capers. The bagel itself was just chewy enough and the toppings were generous but not over the top. Can't wait to try an egg & cheese sandwich, though I'm guessing they probably don't have taylor ham. Oh well - I go home every few months for a reason! Service was no-nonsense but I was in and out in under five minutes at noon on a Saturday. Well done, BBB!
(4)Jen K.
Authentic, delicious, and not super over-priced. I am obsessed with their strawberry cream cheese and every flavor of bagel I've tried. These were a win at the office, too.
(5)Zac H.
Homemade fresh bagels, great lox and whitefish salad. I try and get here every weekend if possible!
(4)Jon K.
They make the bagels in front of you. How old am I? They also have a french toast bagel. Enough said. Great spot for a Saturday morning visit but don't plan on sitting down as it's small inside.
(4)Adam F.
Best Bagels in the DC area!!!!!!
(5)Joan G.
Hailing from the south I can't claim to know good bagels, but I would be very surprised if these were not! I love the chewy texture under the crunchy surface. The cream cheese is so much better than store bought and the price is excellent. The staff is polite. If you think they are rude you are taking too long. Part of Brooklyn bagel's positives is that you get in and get out very quickly with exactly what you wanted. If you are irritated about the cash only thing, get over it. Credit cats agreements are expensive for small places. There is a bank across the street and an ATM in the store. Just bring cash. Lastly, in my opinion, the crowning glory. The whitefish salad. I've spent the last 3 years of my life tracking down good whitefish salad since my first exposure to it. This is the best I've had in the area. Not too moist, perfectly salty, and lots if it!!
(5)Wendy W.
My family and I have come at least 1-2 times a year and it has yet to disappoint. The BAGELS are AMAZING. I personal feel there's just enough chewiness, although it may be more chewy than a New York bagel. The price point is very reasonable, especially for their breakfast bagel sandwich. Yesterday I got a spinach bagel with egg, cheese and salami. Honestly I could have had two more with the bagels being that fresh. My preschoolers love the bagels and my in-laws who are French love it too, which says alot. My goal is to try different offerings to get a better sense of the overall quality, but at the same time why as bagels are the no-brainer choice I really enjoy watching the bagels being made through the windowed production facility. Staff has been always friendly and efficient, although this time, not sure if there were some new associates in the mix, but my gentleman literally had to ask me four times what breakfast bagel sandwich (and I only gave two orders). Then I wonder, maybe I didn't speak clearly enough, so as C.P.S. stated,"Pick out what you want, speak [VERY] clearly [and not too fast]..." They are opening another location in Rosslyn. I don't know when.
(5)Kelly S.
Through five years of dc area breakfast evaluations, I now rule that BBB has the best bagels in the area. Why do I have to go to Courthouse to get the best bagel? This is wrong. Kinda stinks that they're cash only, but not worth jacking one of their stars. Bagel rankings: 1)BBB, 2)So's Your Mom, 3)Bagels & Baguettes, #57,682)Bagels Etc RIGHT NEXT TO MY APARTMENT sigh-
(5)Jim Z.
It's been a few years since I came back this morning and either the food quality has gone down or my taste buds are more refined. The everything bagel lacks any flavor and a crisp crunch that a good bagel has when you bite into it. I'm fairly certain the fresh squeezed OJ is really just tropicana in a cup. I'd suggest going elsewhere for a breakfast but I'm not sure where else to go. Don't expect a lot coming here though
(2)nathan g.
i've just read the last 47 reviews, and it seems nobody's looking at anyone else's write-up. so, do i understand that credit cards are welcomed here? is that right?
(3)Arlene T.
Absolutely the BEST bagels in NOVA!!! Great selection, and very efficient staff.
(5)Sarah K.
Kenny D and I stopped here early on a Saturday morning before a volunteering gig. I had never been here before but I figured, how can you mess up a bagel? Well, I think i will go to Dunkin Donuts next time b/c I was not impressed. The staff were unfriendly, the coffee was gross and the bagels were hard with a stingy amount of cream cheese. The bill was over $11 for the two of us and we both had only bagels and coffee. There have to be places in the area that do bagels better than this...
(2)C.P. S.
Best Breakfast Bagel in this city. Egg, Cheese, onion or meat... its fantastic and is about the only thing that will cure a night out in Adams Morgan. Wash it down with a Vitamin Water or a coffee. The staff will remind you of Seinfeld's soup Nazi. Pick out what you want, speak clearly and direct and slide to the right. Other than that, the place is cool. And who could blame the staff when you have a steady line past noon of hungover coeds who doesn't make decisions like plain or sesame. Bring cash cause they don't take CC and the ATM inside has ridiculous fee considering you only want $5 for breakfast. The sandwiches are hit or miss in the afternoon, but the main attraction is of course bagel sandwiches. Enjoy!
(5)Ross R.
Brooklyn Bagel is a regular Saturday morning stop for us. A simple bagel joint. They have indoor seating for perhaps 20 and outdoor seating for maybe 10. They do the basics of bagels really well. These are the best bagels in DC, better than Bagel City in Rockville or the bagel place on M St.
(4)Mary S.
Excellent bagels! The maple walnut cream cheese is required (for me), sooo good. Don't get the fruit containers, not very good quality.
(5)Genny P.
Been going here for years. Some of the best bagels in the area. Authentic bagels - boiled and chewy - not just baked bread in the shape of a circle. Yes, the place is high volume and the staff is no nonsense - but they are quite friendly and courteous. The food is great. Today was the humus bagel that was delicious. Even when there is a line (and there is always a line - very popular place), you can get in and out in a decent time. The coffee is quality. A true NY experience. Go here every chance we can.
(5)M M.
I haven't been for breakfast, which seems to be the main draw here, but the lunch here features some classic sandwiches. The hot sandwiches are pretty good- I generally get the pastrami or turkey reuben, which is sloppy and on bread that is a wee bit too small, but good. I have to take off major points for their lunch time catering though, the cold sandwiches are invariably soggy breaded blandness. They feature Lavazza coffee and you can buy a good sized bag o' beans, although it's hard to tell how fresh it is. It is a cash only place- they have an ATM, but it is a fee laden affair and not always workin.
(3)Ben C.
Best bagels in DC/NOVA. Super cheap meal. Excellent quality. Busy as all hell. Cash only but there is an ATM on premise. Sandwiches other than bagels are great too. Always have fresh fruit, wide selection of beverages, and tasty coffee. The guys behind the counter work quickly but don't take this the wrong way. If it is quiet when you are there they are super friendly. I could eat 3 meals a day here.
(5)Mariel W.
I have been to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a number of times. I love the bagels, despite feeling like I'm in the soup-Nazi episode of Seinfeld when I'm ordering/paying for my food (cash only). But I think that air of rudeness is a cute, authentic NY part of coming here. My last time, was when I was sitting in the back of the building, next to the window where you can watch them make bagels (very cool!)...one of the workers was sweeping up and emptied the dust pan rather haphazardly into the trash can sitting DIRECTLY beneath the bagel conveyor belt. I could see the dust/dirt land on the belt (as it was going) and into the dough bagels. Not two minutes later, another worker emptied a dust pan of liquid of some sort in the same messy manner, also getting it onto the belt. Eww gross. I'll admit though, I did finish my bagel (it was good!), figuring that any bad germs probably get fried when the bagels are cooked. I was rather loud when I said, "Eww, he's throwing the dirt out and it's getting onto the bagels." I'm pretty sure the worker heard. Hopefully they've moved the trash can since.
(2)Emily H.
I LOVE BAGELS! And I especially love bagels when they are made properly--that is, boiled and then baked. Brooklyn Bagel definitely has the real thing. They get 5 stars even though they are not as good as real NY bagels in the real city--but hey, they aren't real NY bagels and we aren't in the real city. These are the most real bagels that you can get in the DC area--Dorothy you are not in NYC anymore, you have crossed below the Mason-Dixon. Saturday and Sunday mornings can be a total cluster-f@*$ at this joint but then again, what would you expect? It is all part of that particular bagel deli ambiance. The tough choice is between a toasted everything with bacon, egg, and cheese (oh my pork fat obsession) and the toasted everything with sliced lox, cream cheese, onions, and tomato (I might sprout a caper tree if I eat capers). Mmmm...I am starting to drool just thinking about it. I have finally instituted a rule that a trip to Brooklyn Bagels may only be made on weekends and then only one weekend day lest the bagels end up like a giant inner tube around my ass. NOTE: CASH ONLY. It can be hard to remember hungover on a Sunday morning.
(5)Diana K.
I graduated from UVA last May and moved back to this area from Charlottesville immediately afterwards. There's a lot of good things about living here in our nation's capital, but that little college town seemed to have more than its fair share of good things. Fortunately, when I moved to Courthouse two months ago, the Brooklyn Bagel Bakery filled one of the voids that leaving Charlottesville left in my heart. Anyone who went to UVA, who ever visited a friend at UVA or who even drove through Cville should be able to tell you about the bagels from Bodo's. This place is my new Bodo's. Stumbling under the yellow awning, hungover and bleary-eyed, the vicious line is never a welcome sight. Fortunately, the line here always moves pretty quick, but being indecisive is a fault of mine and they have a plethora of options. Lucky for me, it turns out it's hard to go wrong here. The bagels themselves are delicious, with the perfect chewiness and a variety of flavors. Their specialty sandwiches are great and the fresh squeezed OJ hits the spot. They even carry my favorite Honey Mustard Dirty's Potato Chips! Use their ATM while waiting in line if you don't have cash, because that's all they accept here... Bodo's finally starting taking credit cards a couple years ago though, so let's keep our fingers crossed.
(4)geeyore g.
Just back from a 7:15AM Sunday morning run to Brooklyn Bagel. It is the best place around DC. I lived in Boston 10+ years and frequented a few great Jewish bagel bakeries in Brookline, Newton Center, Natick, and elsewhere. Not chain store "McBagels" joints (e.g., Chesapeake and even worse Einstein) but Ma and Pa bagel bakeries that offered bagels, maybe bialys, cream cheese, maybe lox, and that's it. Brooklyn Bagel does have a "sandwich" bar and it allegedly is packed but I wouldn't know because in four years I've NEVER used it. not once. And I never will. Nope, I go to Brooklyn Bagel for one thing and that is bagels. That's it. They have the standard variety that you'd find in any decent bagel bakery - onion, poppy seed, sesame, egg - and these are very good bagels - not quite New York or even Boston but they are nonetheless very good and from what I've seen the best in Northern VA or DC or Maryland (including along Rockville Pike). They also have the standard (but again very decent) selection of cream cheeses including scallion, vegetable, garlic, and lox spread. I usually get a 1/4 or 1/2 pound order of lox as well. For those who want bagels and bagels only (plus cream cheese ) there is a speedy "bagels only" line and cash register right inside the front door and next to the fridge. So grab some cash from the ATM lined up on the wall, order your 1/2 or 1 dozen bagels, grab a container of cream cheese, and you are good to go. If you want a sandwich, go to Quiznos. This is a pretty decent bagel joint.
(5)J S.
My wife and I watched while the manager (owner?) who works the front picked two Everything bagels off the filthy floor from under a piece of equipment and threw them into the bin to be taken up front for sale to an unsuspecting customer...disgusting! Maybe he figures no one will notice a few extra mouse droppings on an Everything bagel? I realize you take a chance by eating out, having had friends work in commerical kitchens I've heard the stories, I'm not usually that picky either, as I enjoy camping and don't mind eating a few bugs at times, but this experience was a real turn-off for what could be a great place to eat. I didn't realize the margin was so thin on bagels as to tempt someone in charge to do this stupid and irresponsible thing. Until we witnessed this event, we enjoyed going there for great tasting bagels. We did wonder about sanitary conditions because they store bins of bagels underfoot, beneath the machine that forms the dough into rings. I'm sure raw residue from uncooked dough comes off the that belt running above the bins. We watched while a worker transferred bagels out of the storage bin to a smaller bin to take up front for sale (bare hands that handle raw dough, no gloves). In the process he inadvertedly knocked two bagels out of the back of the bin onto the floor underneath the equipment. There was all manner of grit and grime as to be expected on the floor of a commercial kitchen. This is also an old building with paint flaking off the floors, back underneath the machines where it obviously is not cleaned daily. What was surprising was it was the man who is obviously in charge of the shop, not the employee who did this stupid thing. We then watched as the manager bused tables and picked trash off the floors, used napkins, etc. before going back behind the counter to resume serving food without washing his hands. What a shame, an otherwise great place to get bagels. Just bring your cast iron constitution, you may need it.
(1)Lara R.
I love these bagels!! For the past year, I've heard my roommates talk and talk about this fabulous bagel spot and how wonderful it is, but I figured whatever... a bagel's a bagel (I know, the New Yorkers out there are now cringing - apologies). But then I checked out Brooklyn Bagel. Love it! Saturday mornings do feel a tad bit like an assembly line. There are masses of people and it begins to feel like the Seinfeld Soup Nazi, but the bagel version. However, I do love the bagels. Love the cinnamon raisin and the chocolate chip. Strawberry was disappointing (ummm did it just have food coloring? I didn't taste any strawberries). Lattes are fabulous. Two thumbs up for this quick and easy bagel/breakfast spot.
(4)Elaine M.
There are two barometers I could use to measure the quality of the bagels at Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse: (1) against deli style bagels, the kind that are not too chewy and must be eaten with plain cream cheese and lox, onion & chive cream cheese, or plain cream cheese with cucumbers and tomatoes (2) against today's garden variety bagel, which is as soft as some bread and especially chewy. Brooklyn Bagels does not measure up to the former. In fact, no bagel I've had has measured up to this ideal since my Sunday School days when we used to get bagels for my temple's "Koffee Korner" from nearby Samuel's Deli on Broadway in Chicago. Nonetheless, the bagels are passable and at least surpass those rolls with holes that they sell at Panera. Brooklyn Bagels lathers on the cream cheese, which makes up for the unexciting flavor of their onion & chive variety. The line moves very quick, and the coffee is not bad. Like Einstein's it's a bottomless cup and available in a few different blends.
(3)Elizabeth E.
Oh my goodness, I love their bagels. I love them love them love them. What I don't love is the line, and the stress of ordering, especially on a Saturday when we're starving and want to grab something quick before going to the farmers' market. Somehow we still consistently brave it, though, in order to start our weekends right. Get the bacon egg and cheese, and ask for it double toasted. Or a salt bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese. It'll cure what ails you.
(4)Meg B.
Close to my office and super fast. Good bagels. Great cream cheese. Need a website with deli listings, because they offer a lot more than just bagels. Lots of sandwiches, salads, soup and deli stuff. And although I don't touch the stuff, you CAN get whitefish salad here.
(4)Jimmo X.
Best place to find fresh bagels in the area. The breakfast sandwiches are very tasty. The service is rushed, like the soup Nazi from Seinfeld. You better know what you want to order when you approach the front counter, or else!
(4)Jeremy R.
Good place. Much better bagels than that crap that pretends to be one at Panera. They are just the right amount of chewy it seems. The bangel sandwiches are pretty solid as well.
(4)Carolyn B.
I come here most Saturdays because it is so quick and delicious. I recommend the whole wheat everything bagel with light veggie cream cheese, ham egg and cheese, bayridge, or park slope. My boyfriend says the only 2 reasons he would come to Arlington are to see me or go here.
(5)PC W.
Alliteration AND a tongue twister? Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is a linguistic gem and has excellent bagels to boot. The bagels are large and crusty. It's my place of choice for lox and cream cheese on a toasted plain bagel. Scrumptious!
(4)Andrea N.
I love these guys. If you come during the week they are definitely chatty...Dean and Mo have known my husband and I since our early dating days; we now have a 1-year old. They are really nice people and you've gotta appreciate the family-owned business. They only take cash, and know what you want to order. They get a lot of traffic on the weekends from the hangover crowd, so it's best if you can help them out by getting in and out asap. Best bagels on the planet and they do remember their regulars. My husband can go in and order the "Andie Sandwich" for me and they all know what this is. (toasted whole wheat with turkey, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, cucumber, swiss, tons of dijon mustard with mustard on the side).
(5)Jon J.
I saw the yellow sign and a drawing of a bagel and immediately thought it was an Einstein. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be an independent shop! I've been here before work and they're always busy - but their bagels and bagel sandwiches are excellent. The bagels are actual bagels - not the "round bread with a hole in it" that passes at some places. I wish that there was a bagel shop like this near my office back home!
(5)Jeremy A.
Great breakfast spot- a sausage egg and cheese sandwich on the sidewalk in the morning is great stuff.
(4)John M.
Best bagels I've found in the area and lots of options to choose from! Pay attention even though the line is long they move through it fast and its always a bit uncertain as to who's next in the line, which can sometimes be hard the morning after a night out. Cash only.
(4)Matt C.
Just moved to Court House....and only been here once. It was raining pretty hard, so maybe that detracted from the crowds, but within one minute of walking in the door my order was taken....sandwich was ready in 3 minutes. I got the bacon/egg/cheese bagel and it was money. No fake-ass microwaved eggs, it's the real thing. Bacon was yummers, and the bagel itself was good. Coffee was nothing to write home about, but it's pretty good. I will be back fo' sho.
(4)Jennifer S.
For years, three girlfriends and I would meet here every Saturday AND Sunday for egg & cheese bagels sandwiches, fresh OJ and a hot chai tea latte with The Post to go. The girlfriends have all gotten married and moved away since, but I still eat here. My favorite was, and still is, scrambled egg and Gouda on a toasted garlic bagel with Tabasco on the side. Tables inside or out are at a premium and the lines are ALWAYS long, but cookies come out of the oven on a regular basis and are displayed in such a way so that while you wait in line you cannot avoid smelling them. It makes the wait slightly more pleasant. The bagels are great (especially if you come earlier in the morning while they are still hot). The owner (the nicest man in the place --- you'll know him immediately) claims that his bagels are the only ones in the area to truly be New York style (meaning: boiled and then baked on stone). Whatever they are doing, I like it. Lunch is another reason to stop by. They have a pretty good selection of wrap, regular bread and bagel sandwiches. Alas, I can only give them 4 stars though because in the last couple years they have SIGNIFICANTLY reduced the amount of egg they put in the sandwiches and it just isn't the same. The place makes a MINT, so they can certainly afford to return to the old ways.
(4)Sara B.
nom noms! delicious squishy bagels. sooo many choices...i got the lox bagel sandwich which is my fav. props for keeping it tradtional with red onion, tomato, and capers only. i hate when places put lettuce on it. got the fresh orange juice and really tasty coffee! just a littleeee expensive - but not anymore then starbucks i suppose.
(4)Jalyn H.
Amen Brothers and Sisters! Might be the best breakfast place in the Courthouse Area. Agree with Jennifer, the egg and cheese is really good. Especially on a sun-dried tomato bagel. The coffee is always hot and delicious, and it's really great to sit in the back and watch the bagels being made. The only reason B cubed doesn't get the five star review is because of the humongous line you will almost always encounter on weekends. CASH ONLY! There is a B of A ATM nearby.
(4)Erin S.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Bacon, egg & cheese on everything bagel is perfect to chow down with coffee while reading the Sunday paper, recovering from one too many glasses of wine on Saturday night. Weekend mornings have crazy long lines but don't freak - the wait is never more than a few minutes, those guys really keep it moving
(4)Nicole L.
I'm from NJ, but I'm not a bagel snob, and I think these bagels are awesome. Everything's reasonably priced, super-filling and the monster weekend line always moves quickly. The staff can be a little brusque when it's busy, but I've been in there when it's dead and they couldn't be nicer.
(5)Dave S.
very tasty bagels.
(4)Suzanne M.
If you are looking for a New york style bagel, this is the place for your to go. Very good locks! The drinks are very good as well. Good shakes. Quick service and very good customer service.
(5)Jen C.
OMG can't believe I have lived in the Clarendon-Courthouse-Rosslyn corridor for over 4 years and am only now trying this place. Woke up this morning with a serious craving for a bagel and lox with all the fixings -- cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, red onions. Decided I would pick some up on my way back from a New Years Day run and the place was insanely busy!! The line went really quickly though (as I was hoping it would as I was standing in my lulu gear with sweat pouring down my face and my running jacket completely drenched) and the staff behind the counter was working so hard and fast! I respect that so much. After not hardly any time waiting for my order (it was so quick I couldn't even catch up on TMZ while waiting!), I jetted out the door and ran home with bagels in hand, as I was hungry and starting to get cold. WOW!! The NY lox with cream cheese was everything I wanted it to be and more!! It was perfect and only $6! It sooo hit the spot and so satisfied my craving, I was shocked at how good it was. Will definitely be hitting this place up a lot more from now on!
(4)M P.
Good bagels and bagel sandwiches, long lines on the weekends. I have never actually been here during the week, but I assume its not nearly as busy. Lots of bagel choices (if you get there early enough, they actually run out of most of the interesting ones by the time any reasonably hungover person can get out of bed to get a deliciously greasy egg and sausage bagel). The smoothies are not good. They are just that mix and a lot of sugar, no real fruit at all. I recommend not getting a smoothie and saving your money. As they have a lot of orders they tend to screw them up a lot. They will remake your bagel for you even faster the second time and usually get it right that time. But they are notorious for getting it wrong. In fact, I think I make them remake my bagel about 50% of the time. BRING CASH!
(3)Cameron H.
Bacon egg and cheese is sub par. Place is always crowded on Saturday and Sundays. Line moves quickly though. Prices are fair and food is average. Good for quick fix when ur just hungry and don't really care about the taste. Fast and convenient, just not the best food.
(3)Eric S.
I don't have much to add to what everyone else already told you, but all I have to say is if your hesitation is about the line, don't be intimidated. I have never gone here when the line was not to the door, but I always get out in under 10 min. They know how to get people in and out. The only drawback is cash only, which is what robs them of the fifth star in my review. However, it is pretty cheap. This place delivers the goods.
(4)Morgan W.
My brother is somewhat of a regular here, so we join him when visiting Arlington. First rate bagel shop: bagels meet the test of being a threat to dental work, the toppings are good, and the coffee is strong. Recommended.
(4)Kadian F.
Good bagels.
(4)Glaciala A.
These are by far, the best bagels in the DC area. However, the sandwiches are a little pricey.
(5)Steve L.
This is my favorite bagel place in Arlington. I like the non-nonsense staff that quickly moves people along with their orders. The bagels are toasted properly and the coffee is an easy winner over Starbucks.
(4)Stephanie D.
BBB has the best bagels in the DC area. I'm from NY and was super sad about the sad state of affairs w/r/t bagels in this city--until I found this place. Not only do the bagels have right bagel-to-hole ratio, but they are the right consistent every time. Also, they have lox! and they even call it lox! They also make a great mocha and cappuccino for a non-coffee place. Re the comments about the staff: I agree that the people who work there are not exactly friendly, but they are super efficient and their attitude just adds to the authentic NY feel.
(5)Alison S.
best.bagels.ever. nuff said. go for the raisin and walnut cream cheese-- it is amazing!
(5)Eric S.
It ain't NYC, but it's good. I grew up in New York. Unlike most expat New Yorkers, I don't miss "The City," except for the food. I've been eating bagels since I've had teeth, so I know something about them. It's true that these are not as good an the best NY bagels. However, it's also true that these are the best bagels I've found in this area. They are definitely better than frozen, Chesapeake or supermarket bagels.
(4)Allison G.
Great breakfast sandwiches!!! Def worth waiting in line for and dealing with the bagel nazis that work there.
(4)Mike b.
Brooklyn has the best bagels in Arlington. I used to go to Brueggers and Manhattan because they were closer, but their bagels are like the kind you get in the supermarket. Brooklyn's bagels are closer to New York or New Jersey bagels, although they vary in quality pretty much every time you go. Its best to scope out the bins and see which kinds look the freshest and highest quality. There is a giant line, but it's incredibly fast, usually no more than 3 minutes from end of line to register. Way faster than the other two places. It's also insanely cheap compared to the other places which is a big bonus. I've decided its worth the mile walk each way twice per weekend, because it really is that good. I'd even go as far to say that its second only to the Bagel Place in College Park as the best bagel in the DC metro area.
(4)Vishal I.
Better than most bagel spots in Brooklyn, these are some of the best bagels one can find. Especially the one's fresh from the oven...garlic bagel n coffee...yummy. Look beyond the humongous weekend lines and rude wait staff and you'll know what I'm talking about.
(4)Cynthia C.
Best bagels. Fresh - super fast service. Watch out - cash only, but there's an ATM in the store. Love these bagels.
(5)Sean C.
These are the best bagels I have had outside NYC. I used to be a regular at Ess-a-Bagel in New York and these are the closest I've had to Ess-a-Bagel's large, soft great tasting bagels anywhere outside NYC. People from NYC will know what I'm talking about.
(4)Sue C.
Their jalapeno cheese bagel is the best. However, you'll be disappointed with their strawberry bagel and their everything bagel. The strawberry was so bland, you might as well have a plain bagel. And the everything bagel doesn't have enough of the seasoning adhering to it -- it's a very naked 'everything' bagel. Overall, if you're expecting NY bagels, you won't get the authentic ones here, but they're good for satiating a bagel craving.
(3)Sarah F.
Bagels are pretty good here and they also make a good open face tuna melt sandwich. However it is always super busy and hard to find seating. The real deal breaker for me here is that they NEVER remember to put tomato on my egg sandwich even though I ask for it explicitly. I like Manhattan Bagel better on Stafford and Fairfax.
(3)Todd Y.
Great bagel place! Had their lox, cream cheese, capers bagel - they don't skimp on the lox! They also make their own bagels on site. Also the philly cheese steak has more meat than other Virginia eateries. Obviously not as good as the real thing but better than anything else you'll get in the DC metro area. Has street seating and inside seating. Friendly and efficient service.
(5)Jason Y.
Good but not great bagels...but I'm a Ny'er -so have high standards for bagels- and these are the best bagels I've had around here so far.
(3)Sheila D.
Definitely the best in the area....you can tell from the line out the door on weekend mornings!
(5)SuperMoi F.
ahh the perfect city bagel shop. people sitting outside all of the restaurants...walking distance to everything arlington...and ummm...my FAVORITE bagel (aside from smoked salmon) is white fish...oooh they are very good. and all the buzz from people sitting and the long line...ahhh what fun is it w/ out all that. best of all by the time i roll out of bed on a sunday morning and make my way there...1:30 2:30...they are still there. and i love the bagel machine thingy on the other side of the glass.
(5)Bro H.
As people have mentioned this place is a little intimidating. I often end up ordering something that's not exactly what I want - like a dozen bagels for two people, because the dudes there are so impatient. Still, the bagels are pretty good, and the meat, egg and cheese bagel sandwiches, WHEN EATEN AT THE SHOP, are excellent. As takeout, the American cheese congeals and the sandwiches are not very good. I used to run out and get one of these for myself and eat it there, and then bring one home for my girlfriend. I loved the sandwiches and my girlfriend couldn't figure out why I liked them so much. It was only when I brought one home for myself that I realized you absolutely have to eat the things the second you get them. Regardless, this is a great place for a quick breakfast. Another thing to note, though: the dudes get really mad if you are getting bagels/sandwiches from separate dudes. If your dude walks away, you're supposed to wait for him to come back. Dude.
(4)Cameron W.
I thought we had a good imitation-New York bagel place back home in New Orleans, but I was wrong. These bagels are a lot better. For whatever that's worth! The coffee was good too, and I was surprised how reasonable the prices were.
(4)Sarah R.
This is just about the only place in the clarendon are to get a good bagel. They have never messed up my order before. Outdoor seating is nice too.
(4)John M.
I had the pizza special 2 slices and a drink for $5.98. The slices were big and I folded them in half and tried to get some oil to drip out and actualy a little did so that's good. The peporoni slice was not bad but the chicken slice was very light on the chicken. I just hate when a place has up signs that says New York style because there is no such thing as NY Style. It's thin crest which was first made in Italy so how has that become NY Style? They say that so people can think it's as good as NY. Well this is good for Virginia but that is still far from NY. I would actualy say 2.5 to 3 stars for the pizza but I did not have the bagels yet. Also I hate when places try to do too much, in NY for instance there is a pizza place and a bagal place but you will not see a place selling both. Also beware of a place selling pizza and gyros becuase in NY it would be a sin to do both. Both the Italians and Greeks would be very pissed off.
(2)Laurel w.
Yum! My favorite bagel place, and I know from bagels. . . I used to work in a local shop. Get the egg and cheese on jalapeno. . . I used to live in Courthouse and visit every couple of days. Even several years later, now when I go, the same staff recognizes me.
(5)Mike S.
The other reviewers hit it right on the head: the most authentic NY style bagels you can get around here. Not as good as the La Bagel Delite at Court & State in the Heights or Murrays in Chelsea but hey, this ain't no NYC baby! The bagels are generously sized, they have a good selection, and the breakfast bagel sandwiches are yummy. They sell good coffee too and if you grind your own beans, their whole-bean house blend is available by the pound and is pretty tasty (not quite Zabar's quality, but, again, we're a long way from the City). On weekends, be prepared to stand in line and in summertime, and if you want to sit outside on a weekend morning... fugeddaboutit unless you're an early bird; it gets crowded early and it's a small space. About the only negative I can think of is that their cash registers and coffee paraphanalia are both awkwardly situated so you end up getting in everyone's way while you're trying to pay and get cream for your coffee. But they do the best they can with the small space they've got. Oh, and I wish they'd take plastic; it's really annoying having to fish around for cash when it's so crowded and you're in the middle of an awkward layout and you've got your hands full with your yummy bagels and coffee.
(4)Ed K.
Best bagels in the DC area. Ok, I haven't gone around to that many other bagel places around here, but these are by far the best bagels I've had outside of NYC. Of course, you can't compare them to NYC bagels, so don't even try without expecting to be disappointed. The line is almost always long, but it moves very fast. The place is always packed, but me and my girlfriend always manage to get a table. We go to this place just about every Sunday morning, and we love it.
(5)Todd F.
Dang, the opinion princess beat me to be the first to review my old standby bagel joint when I lived in Arlington! Jennifer S. is pretty spot on though. The food here is of great quality and the owner & staff (all Israeli BTW) are insanely cool. I used to hit this place up for brunch almost every day that I was either working from home or at home for the weekend when I traveled a ton. For me, their claim to fame is their chicken salad, which is one of my favorite things that I never get to order out because it is usually chock full of celery which I can't stomach. However, something about the way they prepare it(maybe the fact that the celery is chopped very finely, I dunno) makes it totally OK, edible, and delicious. It was my go to for years. I would sometimes go the bacon, egg, & cheese route . . . but very seldom since the chicken salad would always be calling to me from inside the glass. This is one of those places I really miss now that I don't live there anymore.
(4)Katie E.
This is my go-to spot for those mornings when you're a little hungover. Or a lot hungover. Or when you just need some delicious, cheesy eggs on a bagel stat. The bagels are very tasty and made at the location. The dough is chewy with a crisp crust--yum! I usually get the sausage, egg and cheese on a wheat bagel. The portions are large and it's all made right in front of you. The cream cheese is also delicious. Be prepared--it's cash only. There is an ATM there, but bring cash to avoid ATM fees. Also, on weekends, all the young people in the area seem to come here for their weekend breakfast (probably hungover like me, so I'm not hating). Lines are long, but those guys behind the counter are PROS. They are quick and efficient. Have your order ready to avoid having them yell "What are you having?" multiple times. Oh, and not lots of seating, so have someone grab a table while you're in line or grab seating outside on a nice day. A must do if you want some delicious, homemade bagels. They have lots of choices and lots of toppings.
(5)Vinay I.
Great bagels - all made in-house (you can even see them being made!) Very nice breakfast sandwiches. Fast service - these guys can move the lines very fast! Small seating capacity, however.
(4)Tamara S.
Thought I was in the 70s with the cash only policy. I can see why there are no lines in that place. The sandwich was ok, but for the inconvenience of payment, I could have made something better at home.
(1)Cassandra M.
A fine bagel spot. Convenient, pretty good coffee. Bagel barely toasted and tough. Nothing like the bagels I've had in Brooklyn. Won't be back.
(3)Nichole B.
I only frequent this place when I want to grab a quick sandwich or a quick bagel. I think this is a great local bagel shop in the Courthouse corridor if you are trying to get a quick bite to eat. The staff is pretty friendly and courteous and it is nice to know you can watch them prepare your food as well. They have pretty decent lunch specials that start at 4.99 and the portions are very generous. They also serve pizza as well. There bagel selection is pretty extensive and they are a nice size as well. Just a quick reminder to bring cash with you because they do not have a credit card machine on hand.
(3)Mangala M.
Bagels are something that I've been craving a lot. A nice toasted cruncy exterior, with a soft pillowy center dressed in a decadent cream cheese. A good bagel is hard to find especially when you do not live in NYC. This is where Brooklyn bagel delivers! An amazing delicious bagel just like the ones you find in NYC. This place is definitely all the hype. Remember to bring cash and come hungry! It's well worth the trip, enjoy!
(5)Kathryn O.
This place has the BEST bagels in Arlington. The line on Saturdays and Sundays can be pretty long, but it moves quickly. Note that this place does NOT take credit cards, so you have to have cash (there's an ATM in there and a BoA around the corner). Also, there's parking behind the restaurant if there's nothing on the street/you don't have change. I basically only get the everything bagel with cream cheese, but my boyfriend switches it up with various egg sandwiches and/or spreads, and they're all delicious. I think some of the drinks and especially the fruit are overpriced, but it's definitely worth it.
(5)Jerome T.
Place is the best. I always go for the BLT. Sometimes I worry that my girlfriend likes this place more than she likes me. Great coffee too, and a good atmosphere for Saturday morning reading the paper. Always impressed without how the staff manages the chaos in there when its busy. Bagels as big as your head. Make sure you have cash.
(5)Eunice M.
I thought my bagel was terrible. It might be because they didn't toast my bagel, though I specifically asked them to. I didn't realize until I got back to my office though. In any case, it was not very good.
(2)Allison P.
This place has a monopoly on hungover Courthouse/Rosslyn residents. It's a little pricey, but literally the only bagel shop in town. I ordered a multigrain bagel w/lox & cream cheese. Everything was A-OK. K ordered some crazy egg breakfast sandwich and loved every bite of it. I'll be back when the bagel crave strikes again, and hopefully I don't forget cash.
(3)Justin B.
Pretty good bagels. Spreads taste good, but definitely not enough. Try to go a little heavier on the creamcheese/butter or whatever I order on my bagel. Service is quick. It's cash only here. Guys, get a merchant services terminal, this is ridiculous. Your ARM is not convenient. Overall, I'd recommend it, but I would come more often if the bagels had more spread on them and cards were accepted.
(4)Sylvie S.
Best bagel joint in NoVA. Stopped by on a beautiful weekend morning to grab some breakfast. I think all of Arlington had the same idea! Line was out the door and it was cray on the inside. Stood in line and snaked around until I could yell my order at one of the guys behind the counter. NY lox on everything bagel, of course. Everything bagel had good flavor and was closest to a NY bagel I've had in DC. Lox definitely hit the spot! Grabbed some of the fresh squeezed OJ as well. Fo sho they squeezed some sweet oranges! FYI: CASH ONLY. There is a Bank of America ATM around the corner and also an ATM in the shop that you can use while in line.
(5)Carmen C.
Brooklyn bagel is always a hit or miss for me , I work right up the street from Brooklyn bagel so when I'm not able to Make it to Starbucks , Brooklyn bagel is my next and only option. I recently went there a few months ago and purchased a bagel and fruits on the side. Bringing my meal back with me to my job , I'm sitting with my co worker and I offer her some of my fruit from Brooklyn bagel, while eating the fruit I look over to her and she has this disgusted look on her face, she shows me all the mold all over the fruit !!!!!! So I ran back to Brooklyn bagel with my moldy fruit , and when I walk in I tell one of the workers ( most of them are all family related) and he snatches it from me once I say the word mold and storms to the cashier to give me back my money so I can hurry up and leave and so none of the customers can hear me . I still come there every now and then because my fiancé loves there bagels but one thing I do have to give is stay away from there fruit , salads , fruit smoothies etc, and they also speak the same language as my fiancé ( Arabic) so he's told numerous of times that they talk bad about everyone once they place there order, even him ! Not even knowing he's Arabic ! Overall they just need to work on a lot , upgrading your system so they can take credit cards (come on its almost 2016 who still only takes cash?) and just taking there time and really listen to the customers.
(1)Ian M.
This place is a community fixture, if you go on a weekend morning, you can expect long quick moving lines, limited seating and the fast pace feel of a busy NY style deli. I got the bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon on sundried tomato bagel, Aubs got tomato and cream cheese on a whole wheat bagel. The egg was a generous size, the cheese was a kraft single equivalent and the bacon was plentiful enough that it appeared in every bite. I've gotten this before and I would get it again. Aubs enjoyed her sandwich as well, the portions were adequate, the bagel was not as soft as she would have liked. Bottom line, this place delivered and met our exceptions, no wow factor but a good experience none the less.
(4)Rach A.
This bagel place is pretty great! I got the multi-grain bagel with lox, onions, and capers--it was delicious! The lox tasted fresh and there was a sufficient amount of cream cheese. My only complaint is that they only put the cream cheese on one side of the bagel, so you cannot split it up to eat it and you have to eat it as a sandwich. Unfortunately, they ran out of the whole wheat bagels, given that I went on a Sunday afternoon that is understandable, but be forewarned! I also tried their mocha which was pretty good and did not have a ridiculous amount of sugar like a few other bakeries. Warning, CASH ONLY! This was another reason I did not give the bakery five stars--- who carries cash nowadays?
(4)Pegah Y.
Meh, not impressed. My fiancé and I visited Brooklyn Bagel Co after several hours of walking around the Courthouse neighborhood on an extremely hot day. We were excited to finally go inside into an air conditioned place and get water and a snack. I ordered the strawberry smoothie and was disappointed - the smoothie was wayyyy too sweet and watery. Such a strange flavor and consistency... my fiancé also got a drink and wasn't very impressed either. The service was not friendly - they barely acknowledged us and didn't smile or even attempt to make any conversation. It was very awkward. I was excited to visit because of all the great Yelp reviews this place received, but my experience definitely fell short of expectations.
(2)Allison W.
This has become our staple in Courthouse after a night out. Always crowded, never a long wait, and the bagels are on point. I always go for the jalapeno-cheddar since it wakes me up :) Take advantage of your wait in line to figure out your order since they definitely keep the line moving. Only gripes: cash only, and I could do without the cashier lady rolling her eyes when I order coffee with my bagel (Maybe someone else should help her out?). Small price to pay for a consistently great breakfast.
(5)Kristina V.
Sooo, coming from NJ/NY I was on the search for a bagel (a real bagel). I know that I've been spoiled coming from where I came from (I mean there's nothing like a bagel in NY). I came here with my boyfriend and his friend this past weekend and we each got everything bagels (not planned). I got egg and tomato on mine and they both got bacon egg and cheese. The bagel was perfect! It was crispy (the shell) but soft at the same time. So very tasty. SO tasty that I inhaled mine without taking any photos like I meant to do! We sat in the back and got a show at the same time. You see them making the bagels and the whole process that goes along with it - I think that part is a nice touch of Brooklyn. It's cash only (which I knew but then forgot of course). There's a bank across the street in case you forget too. Enjoy!
(5)M W.
My biggest advice: bring cash!!! It is amazing how many times I have walked in here over the past two months and forgot. They have an ATM but there is no need to get charged taking money out when there are many banks nearby (though I do it, every. single. time...) I typically order a bagel with eggs and cheese, and it comes out hot and delicious. On weekends, it can be annoying with the lines of hungover people from Clarendon (and very little seating) -- but overall, not many negatives. The people taking the order are no BS and move quickly, which I appreciate. And one of the cashiers -- I need to learn her name -- always has a smile and is fantastic, which goes a long way. Try it.
(4)Marie M.
This used to be my favorite and #1 bagel shop. Until recently, it is not anymore. The past few times I have gone I have been so disappointed. The bagels are not as fresh anymore and they do not even toast them. The bagels in recent visits, have been hard/ stale, barely any cream cheese, and not even toasted/ warmed up. The line is long, but it does go by quickly. The tea is always out and I ask them to refill and no one does. They need to slow down and listen to peoples order to ensure they are accurate.
(3)Maria P.
EXTREMELY RUDE SERVICE-- we placed a large order for 10 dozen bagels weeks in advance. Upon this morning, not only were the bagels not ready, the manager (Mo) said he thought the order had been cancelled and it was our fault it was taking extra time to get the bagels together. He yelled at us in front of 20+ customers and said if we stopped talking to him he would be able to get everything together quicker. I have NEVER been treated like that in a restaurant and am appalled he thought that behavior was appropriate customer service. I will NEVER step foot in this restaurant again.
(1)Herman B.
I didn't realize this place was CASH ONLY until my dad and I got to the register. We took an item off our order (it hadn't been made yet), but still didn't have enough cash. My dad had to go down the street to his bank's ATM. We weren't going to use the ATM they conveniently placed in their store. Thinking this was an oversight on my part, I scanned the restaurant for "Cash Only" signage but didn't see any inside or on the front windows. We will not be returning. Also, the blueberry and chocolate chip bagels were extremely salty.
(1)Bader J.
The bagels are pretty good , I had egg & cheese , you might want to ask them for extra cheese. They are a little frugal with the cheese. Also make sure to bring cash because they only accept cash.
(3)Matt H.
This is the best spot in Arlington to get a NY bagel. I ordered a bacon egg and cheese on wheat bagel with coffee. The only better bagel I've had is Towson hot bagel in baltimore. This place can get crowded around the breakfast rush, but man is it worth it. Remember cash only! But they do have an atm on site. They also have some small areas for seating if you want to eat in, and they offer little street parking out front.
(4)Andrew O.
The best bagel spot in the DC metro area. Period. I'm from New Jersey, I go to New York often. I know a good bagel. Bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything - perfect every time. Less than $5 for a solid breakfast. But skip the coffee, it's terrible. Cash only, ATM inside. OK, so it can be a bit of a "soup Nazi" experience. You better know your order when it's your turn. You better not be on your phone. If you want a quiet, relaxing line or eat-in experience, don't come here during peak hours on the weekend. If you want a great bagel and don't give a sh*t, come here. But really, avoid the coffee.
(5)Ahmad K.
Yummy bagels, not so great service. Make sure you bring cash because they take only cash, and parking nearby is a challenge. If you come during non-busy hours you will get more attention.
(4)David H.
Bagels are pretty good, the everything could have more "everything," but at least it wasn't salty i'll be sure to try a breakfast sandwich next time
(4)Ming I.
one of the few places you can get good bagels in dc
(4)Rachel W.
Among the best bagels in DC. They have nearly every flavor bagel and spread. I feel like I'm eating at a bagelry back in my home state of NJ. Just remember to bring cash when you go!
(5)Jennifer R.
Another favorite of mine. The bagels are just like New York bagels crispy outside soft inside. I'm not kidding this place is good. Any bagel is good. With butter with cream cheese or with ham egg and cheese! They have many beverages to choose from and their sugar cookies are to die for too.
(5)Katie P.
Brooklyn Bagel is delicious! The interior is a bit small for the number of people usually inside, and parking can be difficult. But this isn't the far out burbs, so what can you expect? The breakfast is delicious, substantial, and well worth it. The French toast bagel is heaven in breakfast form! The bacon is usually a tad but overdone, but is quite tasty! Well worth it!!
(4)Que Q.
Great location...the bagels are not bad. However, BBB customer service stinks. This is 2013 and your business does not accepts credit cards? We know what that's about. These cash only business do this to skirt around paying their fare share of taxes. I stopped in this morning to get a bagel.They guy on the register reached back and grabbed my selection with a tissue but his fingers were all over the bagel. Maybe some of you don't mind, but I do. I asked him to get someone else to retrieve another bagel without touching it. He denied touching the bagel with his fingers and said a few choice words in his dialect. Another guy stepped up, put on gloves ( as they should) and retrieve my selection, giving attitude too. Needless to say, after posting this review I will go directly to Arlington County Health Department and file a formal complaint.
(1)Ahmad M.
I've eaten here several times and it is always great. Their bagels are fresh and delicious and everything is cooked right in front if you. Today I added something new to my order, vanilla chai latte, it was fantastic. This palace will continue to be a regular spot for me
(5)Steph S.
Don't get all the great reviews for this place. We ordered bagel ham and egg sandwiches four $10. As you can see from my picture the ham is so skimpy. Also the bagels are nothing amazing.
(1)Nish P.
Solid! Fresh, quick, and always what you expected.
(5)Michelle S.
There's a place on my college campus that was my go-to for hungover Sunday morning breakfasts. Graduating was especially difficult knowing that I would never be able to cure my hangover with their whole wheat everything bagels. However, Brooklyn bagels makes a wonderful replacement. I always get lox, red onion, capers, tomato, and cream cheese on a toasted whole wheat everything bagel. Heaven. And definitely worth the wait. Just make sure you bring cash as they are cash only.
(5)Chrissy O.
Just moved to the neighborhood. I was really excited to try this place, especially after hearing some great word of mouth reviews from local friends. I should start by saying I was not disappointed with the food. The bagels were delicious and the toppings (lox, red onion, tomato, capers, and cream cheese on mine; tuna salad, tomato, and melted cheddar on my friend's) were fresh. Customer service, however, was abysmal. The girls running the cashier were incredibly rude. It was my first time there and I wasn't aware they were cash-only. I pulled out my credit card and one of the girls gave me a nasty look and shouted out something to one of the guys in the back before rolling her eyes at me and saying "no cards." I also had to ask for a cup for iced tea four times before they rang it up. I recommend this place based on food alone. Just don't be surprised if the employees are rude.
(3)Amy B.
Not exactly New York, but these bagels are pretty awesome. I've been here a number of times on Saturday and Sunday morning and am never disappointed. Usually I'll get a bagel with egg and cheese but sometimes will get the lox with cream cheese. All of the bagels I've tried have been very tasty, and that includes a lot of the flavors- everything, sundried tomato, multigrain, Asiago, French toast, cinnamon raison, probably others. Service is also super fast, just remember to bring cash or use the ATM they have in there.
(5)Clare C.
As a southern WASP, I don't claim to know bagels. They are not my peoples' food. So, when I say that these are some of the best bagels I've ever had, you know where I'm coming from. Gotta get there early if you want some of the "special" bagels, like the French Toast bagel otherwise they'll sell out. But every bagel I've had has been wonderful. I usually get with cream cheese - a nice selection to choose from. But the coffee is lacking, as well as the service. I understand they need to get people in and out as quickly as possible because it's such a tight space. But when I have to repeat my order three times (seriously, a blueberry bagel with cream cheese how hard is that to remember??) I'm not impressed. And yes, they should look into getting Square or something to take cards, but that would just increase wait times. But seriously, you're going to wander over to the Farmer's Market anyway afterwards so you're already going to have cash on you.
(4)Lauren B.
Love coming here when I'm in town. It can get crowded on the weekends but I always have a good bagel from this place. I don't love their iced coffee but the bagels make up for it.
(4)Johanna M.
Freshest bagels in Arlington! 2 brothers own the cute shop and they are both very friendly, especially Dean who is always there anytime I go. Last time I forgot to ask for veggies in my bagel but when I asked him he gave me a whole plate of cucumbers tomatoes and sprouts!
(4)Todd F.
Good breakfast place for a quick grab-and-go. It has a variety of breakfast sandwiches for anyone's taste. However, it is VERY overpriced for the food. A simple egg & cheese sandwich will cost you roughly $5 with any speciality breakfast upwards of $7-8. It does draw a strong following which makes parking a hassle unless its the weekend with free parking in Arlington.
(4)Rokeya J.
Best bagel I've had in a long time. The cream cheese is amazing. I had the raisin bagel and honey Walnut cream cheese. I don't like that they only take cash so I took off a star.
(4)Jeff L.
I go here because it is convenient to where I live. The food is good and they have good lunch deals as well. That being said the workers there are unfriendly, they make you pay all cash, and its hard to park there. I feel like I get nickel and dimed every time I go there too (re-fills extra 50 cents), they are always trying to sell fruit that is clearly too old and moldy. All that being said the food is actually really good ha, but certainly a lot of room for improvement.
(3)Jiani Z.
Always long lines during the weekend, yet they are so good that people keep coming. Bagels are delicious! Abs addicted to them now. The only reason it didn't a five star is that it's cash only.
(4)Alyssa H.
Living in NY for almost 3 years now, I woke up in DC cravinggggg one of my beloved doughy, perfect bagels. After a quick yelp search, we arrived here and I am pleasantly surprised! The bagels were big and pretty on par with those that I love! I would absolutely recommend this place for bagels for anyone in the area. Minus two stars: 1. No hot coffee...you're a breakfast joint... 2. Smoked salmon...it was dry and overall did not seem fresh. Avoid this and you should be good. Oh! And they only take CASH!
(3)Phoenix Simone W.
I have mixed feelings about this place. On one hand, as a New Yorker, it's damn near impossible to recreate a NY bagel. Specifically as a NY Jew, bagels and lox are pretty much a staple food, and I really wasn't that impressed with the nova bagel. The ingredients didn't taste 100% fresh, and the lox didn't taste quite right. On the other hand, this is better than all other bagel places I've had in the area. I once got some everything bagels without anything on them, and they were pretty good--the perfect ratio of soft to hard dough. In the end, does it compare to a NY bagel place? Nope. But it does beat out the rest of the bagel places in the area.
(3)Benslie B.
Bagels are good (not incredible) and the line moves quickly, but they are verrry frugal with their cream cheese. Suggest getting two bagels and a to-go container of cream cheese. And they only take cash!! So remember to bring that.
(3)Bella J.
Let's get to the point: Bagels are on the large size, not the best, but better than the ones we can get in NC (took a dozen home to freeze) and judging by the crowd, best ones in their town too. The poppy and sesame bagels are dressed as you would think, but their version of the everything lacks quantity of 'everything' and I noted a few sunflower seeds. Maybe I'm a NYC version traditionalist. I did not get, but noted they freshly fry their eggs to order. I should have had a BEC instead of my BLT. On a side note, it's a very busy place on a Sunday and hard to get in/out or get to the drink station due to the narrow shape the place and hungry people in line. But I judge a place more on the food, so if you are nearby, enjoy.
(3)Melanie V.
Sadly I can't eat here as I am GF but walking in made me reminisce about NY shops. Bought bagels and lox for a very discerning group and they LOVED it! Will definitely go back here, again, when I need to grab some bagels on the weekend.
(4)Kate N.
Brooklyn Bagel might benefit from the relative lack of competition, but it is a solid bagel. The sandwiches are great because they use real ingredients--eggs that are actually eggs, thick bacon, good cream cheese. My favorite is a BLT on sesame. They don't skimp on the bacon, but this is the only place I've ever been where I think they go too light on the mayo. What I really love about this place is that they're fast and efficient. You can be in and out in 10 minutes. I just wish it was closer to where I lived.
(4)Kelsey L.
Best breakfast sandwich in the DC area and wonderful bagels. Service is great... You feel like you're in New York City. The guys are loud, productive and friendly. I recommend if you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast off the beaten path..
(5)Cassandra P.
Such a lack of quality bagel places in the area. This one is great! Not much seating, but most people are in and out quickly.
(4)Hakuna M.
Perfect lox bagels, great balance of lox, capers and cream cheese.
(4)Jackie C.
Amazing!!!! The perfect spot for breakfast after a long night of drinking that's for sure. I was going to Cosi but saw a line out the door so I had to check it out and boy was I glad I did! Bacon, egg and cheese on a multigrain bagel was to die for. And their selection on bagels was very dense. This place has something for everyone!
(5)K S.
Major decline in overall food quality, and they will no longer toast your bagel - at 7:45 AM on a Friday I got a cold cinnamon raisin bagel with an uneven smear of cream cheese. Not worth trying to find parking and making sure you have cash. Still on the hunt for a decent bagel in Northern VA now that both Capital Bagels closed...
(2)Ryan K.
Best bagel in DC - don't take credit cards so have the cash ready and I always recommend to try the French toast bagel at least once (even if you're not really a sweets person it's definitely worth a try). Also, get there early - otherwise you'll be waiting with all the hungover 20 something's from the Courthouse / Clarendon area.
(5)Blake S.
Update city... I've been back a few times since my last review and I confess the bagels are probably the best in the DC area. I must have been on my period at the time of my last review. The lox portions still err on the side of small but I've moved on to the bacon egg and cheese which is delicious! The iced coffee is good too and helps with my morning poop. I'll be back soon.
(4)Jam C.
I never really understood the obsession with bagels (other then Panera Bread Chocolate Chip bagel but that doesn't really count because it's basically dessert =p). Then I walked into this place and I can't stop thinking about bagels! The crispy outside was perfect and the inside was soft & chewy. I never knew bagels can be this amazing and perfect. I highly recommend the Jalapeno Cheddar one, a kick in every single bite! The French Toast is also pretty good and not too sweet. Thanks Brooklyn Bagel, you have enlightened me! :) There's a separate and shorter line by the door if you're just picking up bagels/cream cheese and not ordering a sandwich. I've grabbed a dozen bagels here for work a few times and service was pretty quick. Too bad they close at 5 PM because there have been a few times when I really really wanted to eat one of their bagel sandwiches for dinner.... Don't forget to bring some cash, they don't take credit cards but they do have a generic ATM machine on site if you don't mind paying a small fee.
(5)A C.
The only possible way that anyone can think that these are actual bagels, much less good bagels, is if they have never had an actual bagel. Anyone who has - even once - would immediately know how absolutely, positively horrible these "bagels" are. Every single thing about them - crust, interior, crumb, texture, flavor, mouth feel, ingredients - is wrong. Not a little bit. Absolutely. Wrong. Imagine the worst supermarket you've ever been in. The kind that doesn't care about the way they handle frozen foods. Freezer burns, frost on packaging, erratic temperatures - you name it. Go there. Buy a sleeve of Lender's Frozen Bagels - which I previously considered the Worst Bagels in the World - and you'll get a better bagel than you can get at Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The only thing worse than their bagels is their inability to prepare the bagels. It doesn't matter what you ask for, they'll do it the way they want. And they don't give a damn. Which brings me to the only thing worse than their inability to properly prepare a bagel: their "customer service." It's rude, insulting, dismissive. It's not quaint. It's not charming. This place has as much to do with Brooklyn as the owners do with quality: nothing.
(1)Patrick C.
I like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery for bagels and a quick breakfast sandwich. I am from New York (Manhattan's UES), and chuckle when I read reviews that purport to compare to a "NY bagel" and judge another bagel as inferior when the concept is nebulous at best. NYC has good and bad bagels, just like the DC region; however, there are fewer good/great options in DC. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes a New York style bagel, and I find the taste and texture to be good, overall. As to price, I find Brooklyn Bagel to be reasonable for bagels, sandwiches, and cream cheese. Remember, this is North Arlington, not exactly an inexpensive locale in which to operate a business, but compared to the competition, I tend to find a better value at Brooklyn Bagel, especially considering that the bagels are made without preservatives. I believe that the cream cheese is also made fresh in the store, and while I don't eat it, people for whom I purchase it tend to enjoy it very much. I have not sampled anything outside of bagels, sandwiches, and accompaniments, so I cannot comment on the pizza, but they do have a good variety of pizza by the slice, and I know people who do enjoy their slices from Brooklyn Bagel. The customer service is not lacking. This is a busy bagel bakery where the staff is used to turning out orders quickly in order to move the line, lest people complain about long lines. Efficiency of communication does not mean that someone is rude, but that is a New York thing, I guess, and some from other regions don't understand. Even when busy, I have never noticed anything that I would describe as rude, and I would prefer that the staff focus on the order as opposed to idle chit-chat that slows the line. The cash only policy is not unique to this establishment, and I like my credit card perks and points as much as the next guy, but I see no problem with it. If someone reads a review here, then they know that they need to bring cash, so they should not be surprised, or outraged that they have to use the in-store ATM. There are also banks in the vicinity, so no shortage of access to cash. Bagels are like pizza, we all have preferences and what may be superior to one is mediocre to another. Personally, I cannot stand bagels that are not fresh from a local baker, and have even found some supermarkets who have talented bagel bakers can turn out a good product. I do prefer local bakeries and will continue to patronize Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)Steve M.
NO CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED Good breakfast bagels, which will cost you $4.75 each. Yeah that's pretty steep but it gets even more expensive if you forget to pick up cash first. It'll cost you an extra $1.75 + bank fees to withdraw cash from their in-store ATM. They don't have a credit card machine and they won't even splash out for an iPad with Square. $6.50 for a decent bagel. Your call.
(2)Nora T.
Excellent service, great bagels and sandwiches with lots of shmear options. Yumm!
(5)Emma M.
The bagels might be good but there is no excuse to be cash only in today's world. My biggest pet peeve. Will never be back until they accept credit cards. The signage needs to be better to inform people since I had already ordered before I noticed.
(1)Chelsea H.
Make sure you bring cash!!! I didn't read all the comments before coming but luckily I had cash on me. The food is amazing! Real, homemade bagels not the bread shaped like a bagel. Fruit salad was very good and fresh. The service was also great we were in and out on a busy Saturday morning. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(5)Ed F.
If one orders a "jalapeno cheddar bagel with cream cheese" isn't it reasonable to expect the bagel will have jalapenos and cheddar somewhere in it? And isn't it also reasonable that there will actually be cream cheese on it sufficient to see without a magnifying glass? If you ask these questions to the staff at this bagel shop, their answer will be: "NO!" the bagels across the street are better and cheaper.
(1)Joseph S.
My favorite breakfast spot near Courthouse when I'm looking for a quick bite. Friendly staff, in house baked bagels. Cash only but they have an ATM.
(5)Kevin K.
Lox, onion, egg on everything was nothing to write home about. Oh and cash only, boo.
(2)Carl S.
This place is alright. If you're somebody who thinks that food like bagels and pizza are inherently different in New York, then perhaps you'd have a better experience. It's not bad, for what it is. I only have two real complaints: 1. It's cash only (is this a hipster thing these days?) 2. The cashier was not very friendly. She wasn't rude, but clearly did not want to be there.
(2)Audrey R.
The bagels are really good here. The place is nice and clean, and the staff is great.
(5)Josh S.
Pros: Love their bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Lots of variety with 15+ types of bagels and tons of great toppings. Very fast service and good prices. Really convenient location across from Courthouse Metro. Cons: They are cash-only(insane!). They often run out of my favorite kinds of bagels so get there early as they are made fresh daily.
(4)Dawn L.
Have been going there since I moved to VA and just love the neighborhood hangout. Growing up in New Jersey I really missed good bagels, whitefish, etc. but was so psyched to be able to order lox, onion and eggs on a Sunday am The guys are so friendly and know all of the regulars, their kids and even their parents when they're in town visiting. I'm told several staff members have been with them for over 15 yrs-wow!! Best keep secrets are real NY pizza -only on the week days-(try the white) and the take home salads, lox and cold cuts they you can order by the pound. The food is consistently yummy and always too much. I read the review about too little cream cheese but I always need to tell them to give me a little less! Totally recommend!!!
(5)Richard Y.
We ordered a poppy bagel and an everything bagel with cream cheese. Having been to a lot of bagel shops in the NYC and Brooklyn area, I was not too impressed. The bagels can use more coating. The everything bagel was more like a semi-everything bagel. This is the only place I know of in the Arlington/DC area that serves bagels and cream cheese. With my frequent bagel cravings, I do not know where else to go. A subpar bagel is still a bagel. For this reason and its cash only payment rule, I have to give this place a 3-star.
(3)Annie L.
Perfect breakfast stop on the way to the office. Efficient, reasonably priced. But make sure you have cash, no cards accepted. Happy to learn they'll do orders in a separate pan to avoid tasting like bacon from the main grill. They'll also scoop out for a healthier alternative.
(3)Brian B.
Coming from the North East, I'd like to think that I know what a good bagel is, and Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, true to its name, delivers. It is always busy on the mornings and the line moves fast and efficiently. The food is great and so is the service. Of importance though, bring cash! While they have an ATM on site, avoid the fee and prepare accordingly. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Arpita B.
I don't really think this place provides anything over & above what's available at any other bagel shop... So I don't really get what the hype is all about. Yes, they do have any extensive variety of bagels & cream cheeses but they aren't anything to fawn all over. It's not bad,but not anything impressive. Of all the bagels I personally like the jalepeno cheese bagel. They do have a few breakfast sandwich options. I have only tried the sausage-egg white & cheese which is again... Pretty Standard. The downsides are the fact that (1) it's a cash only joint...PAINFUL & (2) parking can be difficult as it is located on a busy street. Other than that.... I'd say it's a decent option if you are tired of the Dunkin donuts, the Panera breads or other such chains.
(3)Rashna S.
Best best bagels in Arlington! I got the jalapeño cheddar egg and cheese and it was fantastic. No want to come back and try the sun dried tomato bagel :)
(5)Demetria C.
Definitely a fan of their salami, egg, and cheese bagels. Staff is very "to the point" .. Know what you want quickly, or they may seem to rush you a bit. Quick service though. I'm a huge coffee fan but haven't tried theirs .. Seems like they carry your average types of coffee for when you're on the go. The "cash only" thing really kills me, especially in a world with Square and Google Wallet (and now Apple Pay). I never carry cash so it's definitely a hassle in the morning.
(4)Dara R.
First time coming to this bagel bakery, and i heard great things about it from my friend who lives here. I had the everything bagel with cheese and egg and my boyfriend had the chicken salad in the everything bagel. The bagel was very flavorful. Especially with the everything bagel-onion, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, etc. The service was quick and it was overall very good. The bagel on the chicken salad was a bit too chewy/hard but I think that cant be helped because its on a salad.
(5)Lizette A.
I hate being a bagel snob, but I AM A BAGEL SNOB. I grew up in NYC and moved to Arlington two years ago and no bagel in the DC Metro area has satisfied my bagel cravings like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery has. From crust to core these bagels have just the right fluffily density complimented by the bakery's assorted flavored cream cheeses. Get there early when they've produced their fresh batches and you won't have to wait for toasting- and don't forget to bring cash! There's an ATM on-site, but its always best to skip the ATM line for the bagel line.
(5)Veronique L.
Don't be deterred by the long lines that form and stretch out the door. When my friends and I came yesterday shortly after 10:30 am, the place was packed. I ordered a pepper jack, egg, and sausage on a whole wheat bagel with a small chai and was out the door within minutes despite my boyfriend's pizza bagel order taking longer. Food is delicious, service is efficient, and I was happy.
(4)Mari V.
I was chowing down on a pretty good bagel with lox that felt like it may have even been worth the effort of getting cash out and waiting in that ridiculous line... Until I found a clump of hair stuck to the second half of my bagel. Commence dry heaving. Not coming back here again.
(2)Samed R.
The staff is very "to the point" which is fine when you are a busy fast paced breakfast place but this place has some really subpar food. It isn't horrible but just to the point where you would say "that wasn't bad". Here are my biggest gripes. 1. They won't put salt, pepper, ketchup on your food. So if you order a turkey, egg, and cheese like I do, you will have to sit there and open your sticky sandwich up, and put your condiments on it. They refuse to do it for some reason. I have never experienced this from a breakfast place ever. 2. They only take cash. This is 2014 and your shop is in Arlington, VA. Stop cooking your books and avoiding taxes.
(1)Sherri D.
I think we found the holy grail for breakfast bagels and LEGIT coffee/sandwiches! Came here around lunchtime on Sunday and the place was pretty busy. After reading reviews, boyfriend and I decided to try this place out since we wanted to try something different for a change. The staff is really friendly, nice, efficient, and takes your order promptly. He got the bacon, egg, cheese bagel and I got the Rockaway Reuben. First off, both orders were delicious and they were ready within 5 minutes and while waiting, I perused the rest of the inside and --They had tons of choices for bagels, mixed fruits, house creamcheese spreads in the fridges up front, and various choices for beverages. The price was reasonable for the quality and portion that you get, but most of all -- it hit the spot and everything was good! Boyfriend liked their coffee and for me, I got the iced mocha which was delicious. No additional sugar needed and it genuinely tasted like mocha coffee. It was perfect. I'm normally picky or want some sort of flavorful creamer to give it a kick, but it was delicious and not sickeningly sweet. We will definitely be back and try other items!
(5)Megan T.
I've always loved this place but they just messed up my order for the third time in two weeks. I'm pretty disappointed. Providing sometimes subpar quality just to get people in and out faster doesn't seem like a smart business strategy to me, but what do I know?
(1)April R.
I really like their breakfast bagel sandwiches! It's so good and it's huge! Only downside is that they only take cash (they do have an ATM inside the store) and the female cashier wasn't rude but she was def not friendly and did not want to be there. She's like that every time I go in there. She needs to smile a little more! Everyone there is so friendly!
(4)Emily D.
This place is great. It's pretty much got everything you could want, pizza by the slice, French fries, salads, bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch and so much more! The coffee is great. This is a regular breakfast spot for me. Only downside is they're cash only. They've got an ATM inside though!
(4)Donald M.
First time in here, had no idea it was cash only. Didn't see any signs anywhere. Ordered breakfast for two and when they told me it was cash only they pointed me to the conveniently placed ATM right at the register. Sucking it up, I was prepared to pay the 8$ convenience charge for my 8$ of food, but the ATM was out of order. So I asked them what to do, and low and behold they pull out a credit card machine and give me a nasty look. Needless to say I will never come back here again, and I can make better lox at home.
(1)Mark H.
I absolutely love this place. Best bagels in Arlington. They are made fresh on site every morning. It's busy on weekdays and completely packed on weekends but the wait is never too bad. They have a nice, small patio - if you're lucky enough to find a seat out there. I rarely get anything besides bagels and cream cheese, but the egg sandwiches are also decent. My only criticism is the coffee. It's not great quality and it's self-serve*, so you may buy a coffee only to find out that they've run out, and wait 10 minutes to get more coffee brewed. I've gotten in the habit of taking my bagel to go and brewing my own coffee at home or work. If they upgraded the coffee and replenished the empty thermos more frequently, this would be 5 stars. *No free refills, however, negating any possible advantage to the consumer for pouring your own coffee.
(4)Jaclyn H.
This place is good when it comes to food but absolutely horrendous when it comes to service. The service is fast which is great but during slower times, the people are so rude. The girl that works at the register is worst of all. She makes faces and refuses to do anything but sit behind the register with a sour look. So good food, bad customer service!!!
(3)Stacy L.
We found our new bagel place!! Bagels are fantastic. Warm and soft and very tasty. We got everything, sesame and plain. Lox and cream cheese. All delicious. The place was packed this morning but the line moved very fast. Staff was so busy but they really did a great job of getting people in and out. Make sure you bring cash because they don't accept credit cards; however, they do have an atm in the restaurant. There are tables to use inside and outside. Parking was difficult to find though.
(5)Andrew M.
So the bagels themselves are good. That is if you can get the ones you want. I've gone four times in the last four weekends and every time they were out of Garlic and Asiago bagels (this was at noon and they don't make more). I don't understand why you wouldn't plan to make more of the bagels people like and less of those they don't from a supply perspective. The head guy seems a bit impatient (probably because they are busy) especially if you have to ask if they have a certain bagel (despite the fact that all the labels remain on the bagel shelf making it impossible for you to tell if they have it in stock or not.) It almost seems like a factory they want to get you in and out as fast as possible. Lastly, they are cash only which is a pain, they need to get a square reader or something to make it convenient for their customers because it is 2014 not 1990.
(3)Brenda L.
Used to work around this place and LOVED coming here for their bagel breakfast sandwiches. This place has the BEST bagels in the DMV!
(4)Yuchen Z.
It's a popular breakfast/brunch spot in the area. They have an assortment of bagels and sandwich combinations. They make their bagels on site which is really cool. Small seating area in the back/side. Gets really packed during the weekends but generally not too bad. 2 registers-one for lunch sandwiches and one for more quick on the go stuff like bagels and coffee. They have lunch special sandwich combos-sandwich + chips + drinks = $7.99 They also have breakfast bagels of all kinds and lunch sandwiches with all types of meat/cheese/veggie/bread combos. I like their Russian dressing and coleslaw sandwiches. However, the sandwiches are not particularly great or anything. They are kind of dry and slightly bland. It's just "OK." Maybe their breakfast sandwiches are better. It's a fine place to go for a quick bite to eat for lunch or breakfast through. 2 tables of outdoor seating avaible. Busy place.
(3)Danielle P.
Love this place. Bagels are phenomenal, better than anything else I've had in the DC area. The breakfast sandwiches are huge and filling. My husband and I go here often, definitely give it a try. It's CASH ONLY. So plan ahead. Getting half or a dozen bagels with tubs of cream cheese is the most cost effective thing to do here. Can't beat the price on those for the quality!
(5)Fallon S.
Great breakfast spot!!! - Fast & friendly service - Fresh squeezed orange juice - NY LOX is absolutely amazing I will be back
(5)Christine M.
Brooklyn Bagel has the best bagels in the area. I highly recommend the everything bagel which is coated on both sides heavily unlike traditional bagels. It is cash only so be sure to bring it!
(4)Kara S.
Great bagels! Fresh with many bagel and cream cheese options. this place doesn't overload the bagel with cream cheese but puts on just the right amount! very friendly staff and quick to complete orders. This place is CASH only so make sure you don't just have your credit cards on hand.
(4)Jay V.
Best bagel shop I've been to in the area. Right combination of crunchy exterior and chewy interior. Good size bagels and they tasted great across my favorites (everything, sesame, poppy). I stopped by here for breakfast or lunch quite regularly when I worked and lived in Courthouse.
(5)Jen B.
Best spot in Courthouse for a quick breakfast. Love their egg & cheese sandwiches and there's a pretty good selection of bagels. It is cash only and the ATM inside can be hit or miss. Don't be scared off by the long lines on the weekends- it moves pretty fast.
(5)M H Z.
Just ok. Decent bagels, coffee and sandwiches. Not good enough to take home a dozen or trek out from Fairfax. Bagels from wegmans are better.
(3)Ashley K.
I so want to love this place. I've been going here on a regular basis for a few months now, and I held off on writing a review because I was hoping that some of the things I saw and experienced were anomalies. Unfortunately, though, the issues that I experienced have persisted. First off, this place has excellent food. I would definitely rate their food alone at 4-5 stars. Their bagels are fresh and delicious. Not too hard, not too chewy, decent-sized. And they also have a pretty substantial menu for such a small shop. My favorite is egg and cheese on an everything bagel. They also have an extensive menu of lox bagels, and their lunch menu is also impressive. Their tuna melt is delicious. Also, I love their coffee. It's not necessarily "gourmet," but it's not that dark roast junk that every restaurant seems to be serving nowadays. However, I only get coffee there first thing in the morning because it doesn't seem that they are very good about making fresh pots as time wares on. I've gone in right before lunch before and gotten coffee that was cold, which led me to believe it had probably been sitting out for awhile. Despite their good food, I have 2 mains concerns with Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, and these are things that I have seen and experienced repeatedly. I have major concerns about the cleanliness of this place. For one thing, their coffee area is always a mess. Sugar, coffee, cream spilled all over the place, napkins and straw wrappers everywhere. And this is every day. I understand that things get hectic during the morning rush, but the coffee bar is seriously always gross. It makes me worry about their standard of cleanliness for other areas, including the tables that people eat off of and other areas that customers do not actually see. Also, I'm not sure what the law is in Virginia, but not all the guys behind the counter wear a hat or hair net all the time. And I only even noticed this because I once found hair in my food (and it was definitely not my hair). Finding someone else's hair in your food is never a pleasant experience, and I really feel like restaurants should do everything in their power to prevent such nastiness (including mandating people near the food to wear something on their head). Also the service is spotty. Most of the time, they keep the line moving pretty fast. The problem, however, is that they offer espresso beverages, but don't seem to want to provide enough staff to actually service the espresso beverages. Imagine that you walk into Starbucks and there is ONE person working there running the cash register AND making drinks during morning rush. This is the kind of log-jam that the situation creates. If you get in line behind someone who orders a latte, your food is going to be done before you have even made it to the register, and you end up waiting a loooooong time. It's just irritating. Also, sometimes the guy at the cash register is really short with customers and is just kind of standing there scowling. And they've gotten my order wrong more than once. Overall, like I said, I so want to like this place. I went here almost every morning for a substantial period of time because their breakfast was superior by far to any other fast-service restaurant in the area. However, I really limit my visits now because of the cleanliness issues and the service. Wish they could step it up, because this place really could be a gem.
(2)Marco A.
The bagels are large, puffy and very flavorful; visually, Brooklyn makes a handsome bagel. Probably the best bagels I've had in the DC area but I can't say I've tried all the top DC bagel spots. My two favorite so far are the sun dried tomato and the everything. The everything bagel is exactly what you want out of an everything and the sun-dried tomato bagel is infused with delicious spicy tomato flavor. I wanted to give Brooklyn Bagel five starts but I think I've had better bagels in NYC. Maybe I'm over glorifying my memory of NYC bagels but I still believe that's where the best bagels in the world are found. TIP: as many of the reviews have mentioned, Brooklyn is cash only
(4)Vlad G.
Maybe I should have known better, but I decided to go with a non-bagel option - the Coney Island sandwich. Composition was mediocre, with the sheer amount of bread overwhelming an overcooked and stringy chicken breast. Good acid balance from the red pepper, but my tomato slice needed more thawing. After defending his choice of venue, my friend said I had to try his bagel. And to be fair, my one bite of that was tasty. The kicker for me was NO CREDIT CARDS!! You're a modern business in northern VA, time to step your game up.
(1)Chae K.
I mainly grab their many flavored bagels, so I can only speak for the bread and not the sandwiches, but I gotta say that BBB has some pretty authentic NY Style bagels. Slightly crispy on the outside and completely soft and chewy inside as expected for bagels that are boiled (gives it that nice dense, chewy factor) and baked.
(4)Jess G.
You know what I wake up and crave every weekend? This place. My order: The bacon (or sausage), egg, and cheese bagel - cooked to perfection. Every. Time. AND it's fresh. I can't tell you how many bagel places I've been to where the eggs are "pre-cooked." Na uh. Not here. Made to order. Lines: Yes, they are long. Yes, you are hungry. But fear not - these guys know how to serve their customers FAST. Wait it out. Caveats: CASH only, but they do have an ATM on prem. Also, parking isn't great if you've got wheels. Verdict? I'm no "New-Yorker" but these bagels are the real deal, so get on down to BBB and get that bacon, egg & cheese on an e'rythang bagel STAT.
(4)Michele S.
This is my go-to breakfast place. Everytime I have friends or family in town, we make a stop here for breakfast. They have great veggie lite cream cheese, and offer a whole wheat everything bagel. My other favorites are the jalepeno/cheddar, and the pumpernickel. The bagels are big and doughy, with the right amount of crispy on the outside. I also love their bacon, egg, and cheese bagels; they never skimp on the bacon. If you're not a bagel fan, they offer croissants and sliced bread. It's very small so it can get crowded during peak times, and seating is scarce. It's CASH ONLY!! However, they have an ATM on-site.
(5)Amanda P.
Tried an everything bagel ham and cheese egg sandwich. It was tasty! The fresh bagel was the best part. There wasn't very much room for seating, but for a quick breakfast bite it's perfect.
(4)Melinda C.
I guess I need the "How to Order a Bagel WITH cream cheese" for Dummies Handbook. I went this morning around 9:30 am to use the Scoutmob Deal. I ordered a Sesame Seed bagel with cream cheese. While waiting to pay, I mean show them the Scoutmob App on my phone, I looked inside my bag, and saw no cream cheese in sight. When I got to the register, I asked for cream cheese. The cashier completely ignored my request. Ehhh, it was free...In any case, I will not be going back because 1) I do not live in Courthouse 2) I do not work in Courthouse 3) I never carry cash 4) I'll never forget the day they didn't give me free cream cheese to go with my free bagel. It was like the day I went to Cold Stone Creamery and ordered a cone for the first time ever, and they said they didn't have any made yet. Whaaa??? I did like the fluffiness of the bagel itself though!
(3)Ahmed K.
About as close as you can get to the real deal. Brooklyn Bagels make me excited again to have a bagel for breakfast in DC again.
(4)Liz C.
BBB has the best bagels in Arlington, VA and probably all of NoVA. My go-to is the everything bagel with ham, egg, and cheese. The bf always goes for the everything bagel with lox. They have a bunch of different types of bagels and spreads so there's something for everyone. The guys who work here can seem a bit abrasive but they're just trying to get people through the line. The only downside is they are cash only, but there's an ATM if you need it, so even that isn't a big deal.
(4)Joshua S.
Hands down the best bagels in VA/DC/MD! Usually order 2-3 dozen at a time and freeze them. Have been a staple at our house since we tried them two years ago.
(5)YF K.
Sort of disappointed! Maybe my expectation is too high! It's okay and edible but don't be fool by the name and expect too much.
(3)Stephie Z.
One of my favorite places to breakfast while in DC. I wish Atlanta had some better bagel joints. The lox, cream cheese, and onion on a garlic or everything bagel is where it's at. Shit can't be beat!
(4)Marc W.
I love the everything bagels! Never had a bad meal here, and the service is always top notch. They even serve La Colombe coffee. Overall best bagels in the area!
(5)Kevin L.
I grew up in Jersey, so I appreciate (and love) good bagels. This is the best bagel place by far in northern VA. I can see how some folks going for the first time are a bit intimidated --- but worth it. As a regular, I still feel rushed....they get crazy busy because they are that good. I will continue to go!
(5)Kate R.
i don't get it. We only had breakfast sandwiches, but they weren't orgasmic. I expected a lot more from this place from the reviews. But on second review, I noticed most of these people consider Clarendon DC and well, we know that's far from the truth. Anyways, we each got a bagel sammy, one egg and cheese on an everything and one on an onion. The bagels were average at best, the onion one was sloppily put together so that the egg part was scrunched on one side of the sammy. The coffee was average. The service wasn't bad, but it could be improved. The just kind of bark at you for your order and you move along the line. The regular coffee was out when I went to grab mine, there was maybe 1 person in there the whole time i was there, so you'd think that'd be something they'd be on top of. sayin'
(2)Dorrie D.
My favorite bagels in the DC/VA/MD area. I tend to buy the dozen, and also pick up one or two of their homemade cream cheeses. The bagels are huge, and each one makes for a filling meal. Least favorite is the cinnamon raison (too hard). Best for me are likely the sesame seed, the french toast (though best eaten fresh), and the "Everything"/Onion. Some personal favorite memories are quiet mornings reading paper and eating bagels/drinking coffee with boyfriend outside of this place. Particularly good memories when I am referring to days when I am "teleworking".
(5)Paul F.
Fresh bagels baked beautifully . Hard-working mom-and-pop staff. Good menu selection and reasonable prices. Suck it Brueggers and Einstein!
(5)Mike S.
This place is great. Aside from the 'cash-only' nonsense; I'm a huge fan. They have a great selection of bagels, toppings and cream cheeses. I myself love the sun-dried tomato bagel with salmon and humus, which is weird I'll admit; but they do it right every time.
(4)Lena P.
I don't even know what lox or capers are (reading this Brooklyn stuff was like reading a foreign language), but I ordered it on a jalapeno cheese bagel with tomato, cream cheese, and red onions...or at least I think I did, if they gave me the right order or I read it right? Whatever it was, it was delicious. I'm a huge bagel fan and I will definitely be back. The cash only thing is bogus though.
(4)Doug A.
Best bagels in the arlington area for sure. We walked from Virginia square all the way to courthouse just to eat them. So tired of Cosi's crappy bagels. There's a constant line, but it moves fast and we still got our food before we would have at Cosi, and there's never anyone at cosi.
(5)Anca M.
Delicious bagels! Made fresh daily. My favorite is the lox & cream cheese with capers, tomato and red onions. A delicatesse :)
(5)Megan A.
Brooklyn Bagels might be my favorite place for a "restorative" brunch meal on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The bagels are amazing (I'm partial to the Pumpernickel), especially as part of an egg and cheese sandwich. If you specify cheddar cheese (the default is American), it's especially delicious. The Williamsburg sandwich is great if you want a more lunchtime sandwich. Unsurprisingly, this place gets pretty busy on weekends and the outdoor seating is limited. Cash only (they have an ATM, though I'm sure the fee on it is outrageous).
(5)Ahmed Q.
A nice and cozy place to get your bagel fix. Get the egg & cheese on everything whole wheat bagel! Soo good
(4)Brenna M.
I moved to Arlington from NY and if there's one thing I miss about NY it's the bagels. Took me a year of searching and finally found the closest thing to a NY bagel here. So delicious and worth the drive wherever you live. Good service, parking is a bitch, cash only, and AWESOME food.
(5)Misha T.
By mid-atlantic standards these are great, probably the best in the area. By NYC standards... well let's just be grateful we have something around.
(4)Casey W.
- pet peeve of mine. . .places that have another place in it's name when its not in that place - comparable prices with the area - lots of options, quick efficient service - bagels weren't great but they were acceptable as far as bagels go - nice portion
(3)Sean M.
Out for a morning walk with my trusty credit card in case I wanted to eat and decided to stop in and give this place a try. Placed my order and went to pay and was told it is cash only. Didn't have any cash so canceled my order. Didn't see a sign that said cash only but may have missed it. Cashier was apologetic but the manager was fairly rude about the issue. Oh well, food may be great but cash-only is irritating.
(1)John M.
Having been raised in New Jersey, with its plethora of delis and bagelries, I was sorely disappointed with DC's selection of quick breakfast/lunch options. Everything was either average and overpriced, or cheap and crappy. And then I took a job in Court House, around the corner from this place! Bagels are about as good as you'll find in the DC area - chewy on the outside and soft in the middle, just like they're supposed to be. You can get any assortment of fillings, like eggs, lox, and spreads. The $4.99 lunch specials aren't bad either - try the gyro or Italian sub. Just beware that this place is CASH-only, but there is an ATM by the front door. As for the previous comments regarding the staff, all I can say that they get their job done.
(4)Sydney L.
I lived in NYC for 5 years and these are the best local substitute for real boiled NY bagels. My boyfriend and I stopped in around 10:30 am on a Saturday and there was a line practically out the door, but it moved quickly and the employees there clearly focus on speed and efficiency. Make sure to study up on the menu as you wait in line so you know exactly what you want when you reach the ordering post. I got a sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel--delicious!--and my boyfriend got a pizza bagel with pepperoni on a garlic bagel. The pizza bagel was good and a fun throw back to eating those frozen snacks as a kid. There was plenty of seating in the back and out on the patio for such a busy morning. All in all, the outing probably took 30-35 minutes--waiting in line, order, paying and then sitting in the shop and eating. Not bad since most brunch spots in Arlington you have to wait 30 minutes just for a table! Will definitely be going back!
(5)Siobhan F.
A taste of home!!! NY Bagels to go!! For those that are not use to the fast pace it may seem overwhelming but this is definitely an authentic bagel shop! Line is long but moves very fast. Sausage, egg & cheese on a bagel is my norm but there is a variety of selections! Definitely worth a try
(4)Samone G.
This place could be better. Menu is weird. Also the sandwich creations they have make no sense. Also the big problem I had was it was cash only with an ATM located inside the establishment. Very sketch for me. This place is bit special. I like my bagel place in centreville WAY more then this place. It's overrated
(3)帅
Is nice foot there are!
(5)Michael G.
Cash only bagel spot in Courthouse. In my opinion the bagels/breakfast sandwiches are very average but it is better than cosi, Brooklyn bagel, or other places in the area. Bacon, Egg, Cheese will run you about $4.75 not including a coffee, or the ATM fee when you realize this place is cash only. Seating can be hard to get
(2)Edward L.
Was super excited to try their bagels. Experience similar to NY (totally rushed through the process, but that's part of the charm). Disappointed to find out it's cash only. Frustrated because there is no sign advertising this. Upset when their ATM isn't functional. Embarrassed when the staff becomes irritated that I'm holding up the line. Customer service needs some work.
(2)Mary M.
There is not one person in this bagel shop that is from Brooklyn. I ordered an egg and cheese on an onion bagel and received a egg and cheese on an everything bagel. The sandwich was cold and the bagel was doughy and not toasted as I asked. The servers and cashier were not friendly and I saw them mix up two peoples orders. I will not be going back. Its worth the trip to Ballston to go to Manhattan Bagel, which is much much better.
(1)Zane U.
Went here two days in a row due to a ridiculous bagel craving. Day 1: I had an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese while my girlfriend went with an everything bagel, toasted with butter. Ordered a coffee and a soy latte as well. The bagels themselves were great, but neither of them seemed to have been toasted. The bacon also appeared to have come from the ridiculous pile of bacon on the griddle and didn't come out very hot. Both of the coffees were great. Overall this experience was ok due to the untoasted bagel and cold bacon. Service was quick though. Day 2: Same great coffee drinks, same great quality of bagels - this time toasted. I went with a ham, egg white and cheese on everything. This time the sandwich came out piping hot. My girlfriend went with an everything bagel with cream cheese. Bagels were outstanding, as before, but the toasted bagels and warm ham/egg set these over the top. Coffee was just as great as day 1 and the service was quick even though the place was packed. Overall this was a great experience. We will be back!
(4)Elizabeth R.
The BEST bagels in Courthouse! My go to is the Sausage/Egg/Cheese on an EVERYTHING bagel. :)
(4)Niurka M.
These peple are the best. They go from making there own delicious bagels to having the most friendly crew, and huge choice of sandwiches. And let me not start talking about there awesome pizza. Love this place.
(5)Naman J.
Sunflower seed bagel? Sundried Tomato bagel? Is your mouth watering yet? If you want to try these exotic flavors, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is the place to be at. Very well located near the Court House Metro Station, this establishment has tons of delicious bagel flavors and very well priced. Service is quick and nice, and the bagels filled me up even though I did not get any topping. In a nutshell, this place is a gem that is not too expensive.
(5)Maddie E.
I recommended this place to everyone. I grew up going to this place since I was in Elementary school and the guys there have literally watched my siblings and I grow up. (I'm 22, btw) I don't live in Arlington anymore and I drive 2 hours just to get a bagel, that's how good they are. They're bagels are amazing and fresh and they can not be compared to DD or Panera. This place is home, you won't regret going there.
(5)Mike R.
Love it for a delicious NY bagel with chive or veggi cream cheese. It's cash only which is annoying and nearly impossible to find a place it sit on the weekends but it's very good. This is the only place I go to get my bagel fix in the Courthouse area.
(4)Donn D.
I recently tried this place after watching a movie at AMC Courthouse, and I'm glad I did. I just tried one of their Reuben sandwich and it was delicious. The portions of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese was just right.
(4)Sage W.
the people works there its svks ,i never eat anything from there ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Joanna M.
As a NYC bred girl, I KNOW a good bagel and can argue that NY's shittiest bagel still rivals any glorified bagel elsewhere. As a NYC transplant, I know this and expect to lower my expectation but come on people! Einsteins, Breuggers, for the love of god people, these are NOT real bagels and I have no pity for you because I'm afraid you just don't know any better. There, there, don't you worry child. Lets get something straight Brooklyn Bagels, you are the closest place in the DMV area that I have found to have relatively decent bagels. Granted, if this place was making bagels in NYC, it would be like one star tastewise, texturewise, etc. but in DMV area, I'd give it 3 stars because it's ok, just OK. I like to go early (as early as my hungover ass can wake up) and get a warm B.E.C. (Bacon, egg & cheese) bagel but for $5/$6, that's absurd! *sigh my nyc $2-3 B.E.C. bagel back at home.... Whatever, reality is I can't trek up home EVERYTIME i have a bagel or omg a BIALI! craving (*insert beavis and butthead "uhhhhhh" here*) but Brooklyn Bagels, in this area, I can do. What I really really do not like is the kind of cheese Brooklyn Bagels uses on their bacon, egg, and cheese. The cheese is the processed/fake kind of cheese (think kraft singles or something) not the beloved fresh boars head cheese used in the best NYC delis and for friggin 5 dollars, the least you can do is put on some good cheese dammit! Bagels: Egg, Sesame bagels are all okay, their plain bagel eh but their Everything bagel is way salty for my tastebuds.
(3)James T.
My favorite bagel outlet, Manhattan, has closed. The next nearest is Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and I decided to use it for a brunch gathering of 30 people.. Its website makes clear that bagels are $8.99 a dozen. It wasn't stated that you get 13 bagels when you buy a dozen (called a "baker's dozen"), but I have never been to a bagel outlet that does not give you 13 when you buy a dozen. Enter Brooklyn Bagel, run by an obvious non-NewYorker!! Not only do you not get 13 but the price is $11.89 and not $8.99 for a dozen. So I paid a little over $50 for 4 dozen bagels, vastly more than I have ever paid anywhere else before -- and they only take cash (which strikes me as suspicious for several reasons).. I mentioned the website pricing to the owner/manager and he said the website says "price subject to change at any time." This is not what I would like to have heard. Apparently customer relations is not a strong point for this owner. The bagels are large and pretty good but I am not ready to pay essentially a dollar per bagel quite yet. There are other bagel outlets with excellent bagels, easier parking and less pecuniary owners. Brooklyn likely will not see me again. But it is perfect for Yuppies who don't care what they pay.
(1)Matt M.
Great little bagel place and very handy location as well. I highly recommend the jalapeno bagels which are delicious, although I've tried the garlic and french toast bagels too and they are a close second. Love sitting outside in the sun on a weekend morning in the summer.
(4)Joel P.
Definitely try the jalapeño bagels! Cash only.
(5)Alon S.
A fun place to have breakfast. They only except cash. Very fast pace. They have a few tables outside. You need to be very lucky to get one.
(3)Alli K.
This place doesn't even need another fantastic review, but I'm putting mine here anyway. I moved to Courthouse in July and Brooklyn Bagel has quickly become part of my weekend tradition. My standard order is simple (poppyseed bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox) but is consistently delish. I love the huge variety of cream cheeses and need to branch out and try more of them. Did I mention they also have very good coffee? The real reason I felt the need to leave a review is because of how kindly accommodating they are when I ask for soy milk for my iced coffee. They don't have soy milk sitting out, but the nice lady at the cash register always tells me to go make my iced coffee at the counter, then bring it back to her for a splash of soy milk. Even when it's super crowded (okay it's ALWAYS super crowded), she takes a moment from her steady stream of customers to get me my soy milk. Might seem silly, but I really appreciate small service gestures like that. (PS: I am lactose intolerant, not just being a diva.) Bagels, Etc. in Dupont will probably forever be my favorite bagel place in DC (why can't more New Yorkers relocate here and open real bagel shops?? I will never know. They'd make a killing.) But this is a very close second, and I'm quite happy that it's just around the corner from my apartment.
(5)Albert L.
Great local shop in Courthouse to grab some breakfast on the quick. They've got a decent selection of coffees at reasonable prices, and they have a large breakfast menu that uses their housemade bagels. Really, you can watch the guys behind the counter crank out the dough and boil the bagels. Great stuff. Ordered up a sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything, took but a minute to get it after ordering. These bagels are big and chewy. They do not skimp on size - in fact, they're probably as big as your face. They also layered the sausage, egg, and cheese well enough to give you a nice bite of everything as you work your way through it. It's popular with the locals, so don't be surprised to find it a bit tight in the seating area. There's usually no crazy lines on weekends, so it's a nice option for an early morning energizer pre/post workout.
(4)Kelleigh M.
While visiting DC, we went to Brooklyn bagels while heading back home. Although the line was long and the seating area was full, this was a well run machine. Within a minute, I was ordering my bagels and moving onto the cashier to pay. They definitely have the process down to a science. We ordered 2 coffees (ok-nothing great) and 2 bagels with cream cheese. My fiancé ordered a plain toasted with plain cream cheese and I ordered a cinnamon raisin with honey walnut cream cheese. The bagels were legit-made in house and doughy on the inside and a bit crispy on the outside. The cream cheeses were tasty too. For $10 this was a great deal and a wonderful way to end our trip.
(4)H S.
Can I give 6 stars? This is BY FAR the best bagel in the entire DC metro area. CASH ONLY -- and a few reviewers have complained about that -- but get over it. Really. The bagels are awesome, fresh (made on site and you can see the whole production process), and frequently still warm when we order an extra half dozen to go. Some reviewers have also commented on the ordering experience and it is true - you better know what you want when they ask you or you have no business being in line. This should not be a surprise for a shop with the word "Brooklyn" in its name. For my time and money, I am fine with them insisting that you do not waste their time and mine while you read the menu over and discuss with your friends what kind of bagel you want today. And once they get to know you (and know you will not hold up the line) it is all good. Kind of fun, really. Favorites (beyond the obvious toasted bagel with a shmear in any flavor they offier) are the sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, and the egg salad sandwich. Coffee is really good and fresh too. So get your bagel fix in Arlington -- worth the trip from anywhere.
(5)Shanon J.
Incredible bagels and a good cup of coffee. The place was packed but the service was very fast. The bagels tasted fresh and had a yummy outside crunch.
(5)Jane M.
Bagels are decent, but could definitely be better. Good enough to cure a hangover on a Saturday morning. However, staff is definitely rude and unfriendly. Makes me not want to go back. And cash-only is never convenient.
(3)Joanna C.
Ok, they might have messed up half of my order, but it was still delicious. I went in to order an egg salad bagel (on whatever they had left) and maple walnut raisin cream cheese on a plain bagel. They gave me plain cream cheese on a plain bagel. But I don't care. The egg salad was well worth it. Bring cash, as they don't accept cards, and good luck with parking. :) And try the egg salad! Can't wait for another excuse for a bagel.
(4)I G.
My dad owned and ran deli's in NYC and Westchester county NY. I basically grew up in a deli. I will admit the bagel was very good, tasty and the right amount of chewy. Not much in common with restaurant of same name that I frequent in Wellington FL. My main problem with this place was that it was dirty and when a cockroach ran across the table (mind you this was late December) my easy going wife said enough let's go and just left the rest of her bagel. Funny we spent a couple of weeks in Lima Peru this year eating at all types of restaurants, never saw a restaurant as filthy and unsanitary as this one. Does the board of health not check restaurants in Arlington VA? And what's with the cash only policy? People working at the BB in Arlington were not very friendly or helpful. Empty coffee canisters while employees stood around doing nothing, maybe they should have been washing their hands and cleaning the restaurant. Kind of gross overall wouldn't go back.
(2)Daniel B.
Never again. This place is super convenient, right down the street, so I have given them multiple shots at earning my business and failed miserably every time. I admit that the food here is decent, not earth-shattering amazing as all the reviews seem to paint it, but decently good. Decent, convenient food would be enough to make me come back if it weren't for the awful service. Awful. Most recent visit: unfriendly and messy. Coffee station is a disaster, there are patio umbrellas and open drink cases strewn across the floor in front of the door. No one seems to be concerned with cleaning up or taking my order for that matter. One guy (manager?) is sitting at a table, relaxing and reading the paper. This place lacks all the little things that make for good customer service and a memorable, positive experience. I was expecting a "cool, unique, local" atmosphere, but instead felt like an unwelcome inconvenience rather than a valued customer. It's been equated to the Soup Nazi by other reviewers. How is that a good thing? This correlation breaks down because the soup was GREAT and customers were willing to put up with his abrasive personality to get some. Not the case here. Secondly: this cash only "policy" is not just a problem, it's ridiculous. How can you acknowledge this issue in your review, but still give 5 stars? Seriously? It isn't 1993. EVERYONE accepts credit cards, from fast food to vintage button peddlers at flea markets. Your customers expect this convenience. Failing to offer it is annoying and unacceptable. What's more, there is NO notice anywhere. Here's an idea: Sharpie + paper = note to customers that you only accept cash. And that you still operate in the 18th century. When asked about it, the guy (who begrudgingly shuffled over to take my money) gives a smart-ass, f-off response and acts like I'm the idiot for without a wad of cash ready to pay. As if this is the norm everywhere else in the world. Yup, you're right. Customer is always wrong. Duly noted. Question: Does this policy qualify your business to be considered a historic landmark? Is that what you're going for? Even though Brooklyn is by far the closest and most convenient bagel place for me, I won't be going back. Screw bagels, I'll head across the street and get beignets instead.
(1)Haru D.
This place is pretty dingy, not well-lit, staffed by guys who look and act like serving you is their last priority. I've gone back a few times when in a pinch and needing some breakfast but won't be patronizing here any longer. They've gotten my order wrong a couple of times and the dirty kitchen area just doesn't do anything to help keep me, or anyone for that matter, as a customer. Peace out BB, I'll be seeking greener aka cleaner breakfast pastures. p.s. - This place only accepts cash. Blah.
(2)Ali B.
Very good bagels! Super fast service, and cash only. Closest I've come to a "good" NY bagel in this area!
(4)Joseph G.
I always get the nuts and berries salad, which is a big salad for only $6. Their lentil soup is also a good lunch option for around $4. Their sandwiches are big and filling. In general, this is a lunch shop that offers better value than a lot of the neighboring lunch options.
(4)Tammy L.
I grew up in NY, so naturally a bit of a bagel snob. This place is good, for the area. Maybe one of the best in the area, but I still can't completely rave about the bagels themselves. I do really enjoy coming here. It's very much your typical NY style bagel shop in that it's always busy, hectic, and quick. Definitely a great go to spot for locals, hangover mornings, or even everyday mornings. Food: -Coffee isn't the best. -Can't go wrong with standard bagel with a topping. -Lunch menu is surprisingly amazing - (Try the Howard Beach!) Atmosphere: -Small hectic bagel shop, big lines that go quick. Love the energy in this place. -Few tables in the back -Few tables outside front -Love coming here with friends on weekend mornings. Good For: -Quick bagel sandwich (of any kind) -Relaxing weekend mornings -Small groups (2-3 ppl. Tables are small and not much room) CASH ONLY! But they have an ATM in the store.
(4)Ellen K.
So disappointed in this place! I came here once before and the bagel was okay. After trekking up Rosslyn hill I was looking forward to a bagel and some wifi. When I asked for my bagel it took forever! Also, they over charged me by 2 dollars. A an older man after me bought the same sandwich and was charged less, even including a drink! When I asked how much my sandwich was, the cashier replied "What did you pay?" When I replied he said "That's how much it is, you have three slices there!" Ewww they discriminate against women here and steal from their customers.
(1)Layla L.
Bagel sandwiches are awesome! Albacore white tuna salad and chicken salad is made perfectly, not too much mayo and not too chunky. The bagels aren't quiet as chewy and delicious as NY bagels but it's ok I'm not expecting that level of quality anywhere except NY and SF.
(4)Sarah D.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Best bagels you will get in the area hands down. I go here EVERY weekend for a bagel and take everyone from out of town! All I can say is LOVE!
(5)Alan S.
I tried the "triple decker" for lunch. It was good. It wasn't amazing and it wasn't bad. I didn't regret going here for lunch, and I'm in no hurry to go back. It was a decent meal, but I think some of these reviews are a little over the top. It's not *that* good. And seriously, the cash-only thing - - really? It's not quaint, it's annoying.
(3)Michael C.
Damn, I just wrote a crappy review of Manhattan Bagels in Vienna and said they didn't hold a flame to this place, so I guess I better write a good review of Brooklyn bagels. I'm a jew from Brooklyn. I laughed when I saw this shop, but secretly hoped it would be good, since we just moved to NoVa. It was! Really, good work guys! Bagels were great, and the appetizer were as well. Lox, whitefish, everything was A+ But, now we moved in to Vienna and you're gonna make me drive to Arlington? Shit. Well at least it's closer than Park Slope :)
(5)Sara R.
My go-to spot for bagels!! Just as good as in New York and my favorite spot in the city. Love the whole wheat everything with light veggie cream cheese, or smoked salmon cream cheese. Tuna salad is also good. Cash only.
(5)Samed R.
The staff is very "to the point" which is fine when you are a busy fast paced breakfast place but this place has some really subpar food. It isn't horrible but just to the point where you would say "that wasn't bad". Here are my biggest gripes. 1. They won't put salt, pepper, ketchup on your food. So if you order a turkey, egg, and cheese like I do, you will have to sit there and open your sticky sandwich up, and put your condiments on it. They refuse to do it for some reason. I have never experienced this from a breakfast place ever. 2. They only take cash. This is 2014 and your shop is in Arlington, VA. Stop cooking your books and avoiding taxes.
(1)Lizette A.
I hate being a bagel snob, but I AM A BAGEL SNOB. I grew up in NYC and moved to Arlington two years ago and no bagel in the DC Metro area has satisfied my bagel cravings like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery has. From crust to core these bagels have just the right fluffily density complimented by the bakery's assorted flavored cream cheeses. Get there early when they've produced their fresh batches and you won't have to wait for toasting- and don't forget to bring cash! There's an ATM on-site, but its always best to skip the ATM line for the bagel line.
(5)Veronique L.
Don't be deterred by the long lines that form and stretch out the door. When my friends and I came yesterday shortly after 10:30 am, the place was packed. I ordered a pepper jack, egg, and sausage on a whole wheat bagel with a small chai and was out the door within minutes despite my boyfriend's pizza bagel order taking longer. Food is delicious, service is efficient, and I was happy.
(4)Demetria C.
Definitely a fan of their salami, egg, and cheese bagels. Staff is very "to the point" .. Know what you want quickly, or they may seem to rush you a bit. Quick service though. I'm a huge coffee fan but haven't tried theirs .. Seems like they carry your average types of coffee for when you're on the go. The "cash only" thing really kills me, especially in a world with Square and Google Wallet (and now Apple Pay). I never carry cash so it's definitely a hassle in the morning.
(4)Dara R.
First time coming to this bagel bakery, and i heard great things about it from my friend who lives here. I had the everything bagel with cheese and egg and my boyfriend had the chicken salad in the everything bagel. The bagel was very flavorful. Especially with the everything bagel-onion, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, etc. The service was quick and it was overall very good. The bagel on the chicken salad was a bit too chewy/hard but I think that cant be helped because its on a salad.
(5)Sydney L.
I lived in NYC for 5 years and these are the best local substitute for real boiled NY bagels. My boyfriend and I stopped in around 10:30 am on a Saturday and there was a line practically out the door, but it moved quickly and the employees there clearly focus on speed and efficiency. Make sure to study up on the menu as you wait in line so you know exactly what you want when you reach the ordering post. I got a sausage, egg and cheese on an everything bagel--delicious!--and my boyfriend got a pizza bagel with pepperoni on a garlic bagel. The pizza bagel was good and a fun throw back to eating those frozen snacks as a kid. There was plenty of seating in the back and out on the patio for such a busy morning. All in all, the outing probably took 30-35 minutes--waiting in line, order, paying and then sitting in the shop and eating. Not bad since most brunch spots in Arlington you have to wait 30 minutes just for a table! Will definitely be going back!
(5)Siobhan F.
A taste of home!!! NY Bagels to go!! For those that are not use to the fast pace it may seem overwhelming but this is definitely an authentic bagel shop! Line is long but moves very fast. Sausage, egg & cheese on a bagel is my norm but there is a variety of selections! Definitely worth a try
(4)Samone G.
This place could be better. Menu is weird. Also the sandwich creations they have make no sense. Also the big problem I had was it was cash only with an ATM located inside the establishment. Very sketch for me. This place is bit special. I like my bagel place in centreville WAY more then this place. It's overrated
(3)帅
Is nice foot there are!
(5)Michael G.
Cash only bagel spot in Courthouse. In my opinion the bagels/breakfast sandwiches are very average but it is better than cosi, Brooklyn bagel, or other places in the area. Bacon, Egg, Cheese will run you about $4.75 not including a coffee, or the ATM fee when you realize this place is cash only. Seating can be hard to get
(2)Edward L.
Was super excited to try their bagels. Experience similar to NY (totally rushed through the process, but that's part of the charm). Disappointed to find out it's cash only. Frustrated because there is no sign advertising this. Upset when their ATM isn't functional. Embarrassed when the staff becomes irritated that I'm holding up the line. Customer service needs some work.
(2)Michelle S.
There's a place on my college campus that was my go-to for hungover Sunday morning breakfasts. Graduating was especially difficult knowing that I would never be able to cure my hangover with their whole wheat everything bagels. However, Brooklyn bagels makes a wonderful replacement. I always get lox, red onion, capers, tomato, and cream cheese on a toasted whole wheat everything bagel. Heaven. And definitely worth the wait. Just make sure you bring cash as they are cash only.
(5)Chrissy O.
Just moved to the neighborhood. I was really excited to try this place, especially after hearing some great word of mouth reviews from local friends. I should start by saying I was not disappointed with the food. The bagels were delicious and the toppings (lox, red onion, tomato, capers, and cream cheese on mine; tuna salad, tomato, and melted cheddar on my friend's) were fresh. Customer service, however, was abysmal. The girls running the cashier were incredibly rude. It was my first time there and I wasn't aware they were cash-only. I pulled out my credit card and one of the girls gave me a nasty look and shouted out something to one of the guys in the back before rolling her eyes at me and saying "no cards." I also had to ask for a cup for iced tea four times before they rang it up. I recommend this place based on food alone. Just don't be surprised if the employees are rude.
(3)Amy B.
Not exactly New York, but these bagels are pretty awesome. I've been here a number of times on Saturday and Sunday morning and am never disappointed. Usually I'll get a bagel with egg and cheese but sometimes will get the lox with cream cheese. All of the bagels I've tried have been very tasty, and that includes a lot of the flavors- everything, sundried tomato, multigrain, Asiago, French toast, cinnamon raison, probably others. Service is also super fast, just remember to bring cash or use the ATM they have in there.
(5)Clare C.
As a southern WASP, I don't claim to know bagels. They are not my peoples' food. So, when I say that these are some of the best bagels I've ever had, you know where I'm coming from. Gotta get there early if you want some of the "special" bagels, like the French Toast bagel otherwise they'll sell out. But every bagel I've had has been wonderful. I usually get with cream cheese - a nice selection to choose from. But the coffee is lacking, as well as the service. I understand they need to get people in and out as quickly as possible because it's such a tight space. But when I have to repeat my order three times (seriously, a blueberry bagel with cream cheese how hard is that to remember??) I'm not impressed. And yes, they should look into getting Square or something to take cards, but that would just increase wait times. But seriously, you're going to wander over to the Farmer's Market anyway afterwards so you're already going to have cash on you.
(4)Lauren B.
Love coming here when I'm in town. It can get crowded on the weekends but I always have a good bagel from this place. I don't love their iced coffee but the bagels make up for it.
(4)Johanna M.
Freshest bagels in Arlington! 2 brothers own the cute shop and they are both very friendly, especially Dean who is always there anytime I go. Last time I forgot to ask for veggies in my bagel but when I asked him he gave me a whole plate of cucumbers tomatoes and sprouts!
(4)Ashley K.
I so want to love this place. I've been going here on a regular basis for a few months now, and I held off on writing a review because I was hoping that some of the things I saw and experienced were anomalies. Unfortunately, though, the issues that I experienced have persisted. First off, this place has excellent food. I would definitely rate their food alone at 4-5 stars. Their bagels are fresh and delicious. Not too hard, not too chewy, decent-sized. And they also have a pretty substantial menu for such a small shop. My favorite is egg and cheese on an everything bagel. They also have an extensive menu of lox bagels, and their lunch menu is also impressive. Their tuna melt is delicious. Also, I love their coffee. It's not necessarily "gourmet," but it's not that dark roast junk that every restaurant seems to be serving nowadays. However, I only get coffee there first thing in the morning because it doesn't seem that they are very good about making fresh pots as time wares on. I've gone in right before lunch before and gotten coffee that was cold, which led me to believe it had probably been sitting out for awhile. Despite their good food, I have 2 mains concerns with Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, and these are things that I have seen and experienced repeatedly. I have major concerns about the cleanliness of this place. For one thing, their coffee area is always a mess. Sugar, coffee, cream spilled all over the place, napkins and straw wrappers everywhere. And this is every day. I understand that things get hectic during the morning rush, but the coffee bar is seriously always gross. It makes me worry about their standard of cleanliness for other areas, including the tables that people eat off of and other areas that customers do not actually see. Also, I'm not sure what the law is in Virginia, but not all the guys behind the counter wear a hat or hair net all the time. And I only even noticed this because I once found hair in my food (and it was definitely not my hair). Finding someone else's hair in your food is never a pleasant experience, and I really feel like restaurants should do everything in their power to prevent such nastiness (including mandating people near the food to wear something on their head). Also the service is spotty. Most of the time, they keep the line moving pretty fast. The problem, however, is that they offer espresso beverages, but don't seem to want to provide enough staff to actually service the espresso beverages. Imagine that you walk into Starbucks and there is ONE person working there running the cash register AND making drinks during morning rush. This is the kind of log-jam that the situation creates. If you get in line behind someone who orders a latte, your food is going to be done before you have even made it to the register, and you end up waiting a loooooong time. It's just irritating. Also, sometimes the guy at the cash register is really short with customers and is just kind of standing there scowling. And they've gotten my order wrong more than once. Overall, like I said, I so want to like this place. I went here almost every morning for a substantial period of time because their breakfast was superior by far to any other fast-service restaurant in the area. However, I really limit my visits now because of the cleanliness issues and the service. Wish they could step it up, because this place really could be a gem.
(2)Todd F.
Good breakfast place for a quick grab-and-go. It has a variety of breakfast sandwiches for anyone's taste. However, it is VERY overpriced for the food. A simple egg & cheese sandwich will cost you roughly $5 with any speciality breakfast upwards of $7-8. It does draw a strong following which makes parking a hassle unless its the weekend with free parking in Arlington.
(4)Rokeya J.
Best bagel I've had in a long time. The cream cheese is amazing. I had the raisin bagel and honey Walnut cream cheese. I don't like that they only take cash so I took off a star.
(4)Jeff L.
I go here because it is convenient to where I live. The food is good and they have good lunch deals as well. That being said the workers there are unfriendly, they make you pay all cash, and its hard to park there. I feel like I get nickel and dimed every time I go there too (re-fills extra 50 cents), they are always trying to sell fruit that is clearly too old and moldy. All that being said the food is actually really good ha, but certainly a lot of room for improvement.
(3)Marco A.
The bagels are large, puffy and very flavorful; visually, Brooklyn makes a handsome bagel. Probably the best bagels I've had in the DC area but I can't say I've tried all the top DC bagel spots. My two favorite so far are the sun dried tomato and the everything. The everything bagel is exactly what you want out of an everything and the sun-dried tomato bagel is infused with delicious spicy tomato flavor. I wanted to give Brooklyn Bagel five starts but I think I've had better bagels in NYC. Maybe I'm over glorifying my memory of NYC bagels but I still believe that's where the best bagels in the world are found. TIP: as many of the reviews have mentioned, Brooklyn is cash only
(4)Vlad G.
Maybe I should have known better, but I decided to go with a non-bagel option - the Coney Island sandwich. Composition was mediocre, with the sheer amount of bread overwhelming an overcooked and stringy chicken breast. Good acid balance from the red pepper, but my tomato slice needed more thawing. After defending his choice of venue, my friend said I had to try his bagel. And to be fair, my one bite of that was tasty. The kicker for me was NO CREDIT CARDS!! You're a modern business in northern VA, time to step your game up.
(1)Chae K.
I mainly grab their many flavored bagels, so I can only speak for the bread and not the sandwiches, but I gotta say that BBB has some pretty authentic NY Style bagels. Slightly crispy on the outside and completely soft and chewy inside as expected for bagels that are boiled (gives it that nice dense, chewy factor) and baked.
(4)Jess G.
You know what I wake up and crave every weekend? This place. My order: The bacon (or sausage), egg, and cheese bagel - cooked to perfection. Every. Time. AND it's fresh. I can't tell you how many bagel places I've been to where the eggs are "pre-cooked." Na uh. Not here. Made to order. Lines: Yes, they are long. Yes, you are hungry. But fear not - these guys know how to serve their customers FAST. Wait it out. Caveats: CASH only, but they do have an ATM on prem. Also, parking isn't great if you've got wheels. Verdict? I'm no "New-Yorker" but these bagels are the real deal, so get on down to BBB and get that bacon, egg & cheese on an e'rythang bagel STAT.
(4)Michele S.
This is my go-to breakfast place. Everytime I have friends or family in town, we make a stop here for breakfast. They have great veggie lite cream cheese, and offer a whole wheat everything bagel. My other favorites are the jalepeno/cheddar, and the pumpernickel. The bagels are big and doughy, with the right amount of crispy on the outside. I also love their bacon, egg, and cheese bagels; they never skimp on the bacon. If you're not a bagel fan, they offer croissants and sliced bread. It's very small so it can get crowded during peak times, and seating is scarce. It's CASH ONLY!! However, they have an ATM on-site.
(5)Amanda P.
Tried an everything bagel ham and cheese egg sandwich. It was tasty! The fresh bagel was the best part. There wasn't very much room for seating, but for a quick breakfast bite it's perfect.
(4)Melinda C.
I guess I need the "How to Order a Bagel WITH cream cheese" for Dummies Handbook. I went this morning around 9:30 am to use the Scoutmob Deal. I ordered a Sesame Seed bagel with cream cheese. While waiting to pay, I mean show them the Scoutmob App on my phone, I looked inside my bag, and saw no cream cheese in sight. When I got to the register, I asked for cream cheese. The cashier completely ignored my request. Ehhh, it was free...In any case, I will not be going back because 1) I do not live in Courthouse 2) I do not work in Courthouse 3) I never carry cash 4) I'll never forget the day they didn't give me free cream cheese to go with my free bagel. It was like the day I went to Cold Stone Creamery and ordered a cone for the first time ever, and they said they didn't have any made yet. Whaaa??? I did like the fluffiness of the bagel itself though!
(3)Ahmed K.
About as close as you can get to the real deal. Brooklyn Bagels make me excited again to have a bagel for breakfast in DC again.
(4)Liz C.
BBB has the best bagels in Arlington, VA and probably all of NoVA. My go-to is the everything bagel with ham, egg, and cheese. The bf always goes for the everything bagel with lox. They have a bunch of different types of bagels and spreads so there's something for everyone. The guys who work here can seem a bit abrasive but they're just trying to get people through the line. The only downside is they are cash only, but there's an ATM if you need it, so even that isn't a big deal.
(4)Lena P.
I don't even know what lox or capers are (reading this Brooklyn stuff was like reading a foreign language), but I ordered it on a jalapeno cheese bagel with tomato, cream cheese, and red onions...or at least I think I did, if they gave me the right order or I read it right? Whatever it was, it was delicious. I'm a huge bagel fan and I will definitely be back. The cash only thing is bogus though.
(4)Doug A.
Best bagels in the arlington area for sure. We walked from Virginia square all the way to courthouse just to eat them. So tired of Cosi's crappy bagels. There's a constant line, but it moves fast and we still got our food before we would have at Cosi, and there's never anyone at cosi.
(5)Anca M.
Delicious bagels! Made fresh daily. My favorite is the lox & cream cheese with capers, tomato and red onions. A delicatesse :)
(5)Megan A.
Brooklyn Bagels might be my favorite place for a "restorative" brunch meal on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The bagels are amazing (I'm partial to the Pumpernickel), especially as part of an egg and cheese sandwich. If you specify cheddar cheese (the default is American), it's especially delicious. The Williamsburg sandwich is great if you want a more lunchtime sandwich. Unsurprisingly, this place gets pretty busy on weekends and the outdoor seating is limited. Cash only (they have an ATM, though I'm sure the fee on it is outrageous).
(5)Ahmed Q.
A nice and cozy place to get your bagel fix. Get the egg & cheese on everything whole wheat bagel! Soo good
(4)Brenna M.
I moved to Arlington from NY and if there's one thing I miss about NY it's the bagels. Took me a year of searching and finally found the closest thing to a NY bagel here. So delicious and worth the drive wherever you live. Good service, parking is a bitch, cash only, and AWESOME food.
(5)Misha T.
By mid-atlantic standards these are great, probably the best in the area. By NYC standards... well let's just be grateful we have something around.
(4)Casey W.
- pet peeve of mine. . .places that have another place in it's name when its not in that place - comparable prices with the area - lots of options, quick efficient service - bagels weren't great but they were acceptable as far as bagels go - nice portion
(3)Sean M.
Out for a morning walk with my trusty credit card in case I wanted to eat and decided to stop in and give this place a try. Placed my order and went to pay and was told it is cash only. Didn't have any cash so canceled my order. Didn't see a sign that said cash only but may have missed it. Cashier was apologetic but the manager was fairly rude about the issue. Oh well, food may be great but cash-only is irritating.
(1)Daniel B.
Never again. This place is super convenient, right down the street, so I have given them multiple shots at earning my business and failed miserably every time. I admit that the food here is decent, not earth-shattering amazing as all the reviews seem to paint it, but decently good. Decent, convenient food would be enough to make me come back if it weren't for the awful service. Awful. Most recent visit: unfriendly and messy. Coffee station is a disaster, there are patio umbrellas and open drink cases strewn across the floor in front of the door. No one seems to be concerned with cleaning up or taking my order for that matter. One guy (manager?) is sitting at a table, relaxing and reading the paper. This place lacks all the little things that make for good customer service and a memorable, positive experience. I was expecting a "cool, unique, local" atmosphere, but instead felt like an unwelcome inconvenience rather than a valued customer. It's been equated to the Soup Nazi by other reviewers. How is that a good thing? This correlation breaks down because the soup was GREAT and customers were willing to put up with his abrasive personality to get some. Not the case here. Secondly: this cash only "policy" is not just a problem, it's ridiculous. How can you acknowledge this issue in your review, but still give 5 stars? Seriously? It isn't 1993. EVERYONE accepts credit cards, from fast food to vintage button peddlers at flea markets. Your customers expect this convenience. Failing to offer it is annoying and unacceptable. What's more, there is NO notice anywhere. Here's an idea: Sharpie + paper = note to customers that you only accept cash. And that you still operate in the 18th century. When asked about it, the guy (who begrudgingly shuffled over to take my money) gives a smart-ass, f-off response and acts like I'm the idiot for without a wad of cash ready to pay. As if this is the norm everywhere else in the world. Yup, you're right. Customer is always wrong. Duly noted. Question: Does this policy qualify your business to be considered a historic landmark? Is that what you're going for? Even though Brooklyn is by far the closest and most convenient bagel place for me, I won't be going back. Screw bagels, I'll head across the street and get beignets instead.
(1)Haru D.
This place is pretty dingy, not well-lit, staffed by guys who look and act like serving you is their last priority. I've gone back a few times when in a pinch and needing some breakfast but won't be patronizing here any longer. They've gotten my order wrong a couple of times and the dirty kitchen area just doesn't do anything to help keep me, or anyone for that matter, as a customer. Peace out BB, I'll be seeking greener aka cleaner breakfast pastures. p.s. - This place only accepts cash. Blah.
(2)Ali B.
Very good bagels! Super fast service, and cash only. Closest I've come to a "good" NY bagel in this area!
(4)Joseph G.
I always get the nuts and berries salad, which is a big salad for only $6. Their lentil soup is also a good lunch option for around $4. Their sandwiches are big and filling. In general, this is a lunch shop that offers better value than a lot of the neighboring lunch options.
(4)John M.
Having been raised in New Jersey, with its plethora of delis and bagelries, I was sorely disappointed with DC's selection of quick breakfast/lunch options. Everything was either average and overpriced, or cheap and crappy. And then I took a job in Court House, around the corner from this place! Bagels are about as good as you'll find in the DC area - chewy on the outside and soft in the middle, just like they're supposed to be. You can get any assortment of fillings, like eggs, lox, and spreads. The $4.99 lunch specials aren't bad either - try the gyro or Italian sub. Just beware that this place is CASH-only, but there is an ATM by the front door. As for the previous comments regarding the staff, all I can say that they get their job done.
(4)Tammy L.
I grew up in NY, so naturally a bit of a bagel snob. This place is good, for the area. Maybe one of the best in the area, but I still can't completely rave about the bagels themselves. I do really enjoy coming here. It's very much your typical NY style bagel shop in that it's always busy, hectic, and quick. Definitely a great go to spot for locals, hangover mornings, or even everyday mornings. Food: -Coffee isn't the best. -Can't go wrong with standard bagel with a topping. -Lunch menu is surprisingly amazing - (Try the Howard Beach!) Atmosphere: -Small hectic bagel shop, big lines that go quick. Love the energy in this place. -Few tables in the back -Few tables outside front -Love coming here with friends on weekend mornings. Good For: -Quick bagel sandwich (of any kind) -Relaxing weekend mornings -Small groups (2-3 ppl. Tables are small and not much room) CASH ONLY! But they have an ATM in the store.
(4)Ellen K.
So disappointed in this place! I came here once before and the bagel was okay. After trekking up Rosslyn hill I was looking forward to a bagel and some wifi. When I asked for my bagel it took forever! Also, they over charged me by 2 dollars. A an older man after me bought the same sandwich and was charged less, even including a drink! When I asked how much my sandwich was, the cashier replied "What did you pay?" When I replied he said "That's how much it is, you have three slices there!" Ewww they discriminate against women here and steal from their customers.
(1)Layla L.
Bagel sandwiches are awesome! Albacore white tuna salad and chicken salad is made perfectly, not too much mayo and not too chunky. The bagels aren't quiet as chewy and delicious as NY bagels but it's ok I'm not expecting that level of quality anywhere except NY and SF.
(4)Sarah D.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Best bagels you will get in the area hands down. I go here EVERY weekend for a bagel and take everyone from out of town! All I can say is LOVE!
(5)Alan S.
I tried the "triple decker" for lunch. It was good. It wasn't amazing and it wasn't bad. I didn't regret going here for lunch, and I'm in no hurry to go back. It was a decent meal, but I think some of these reviews are a little over the top. It's not *that* good. And seriously, the cash-only thing - - really? It's not quaint, it's annoying.
(3)Michael C.
Damn, I just wrote a crappy review of Manhattan Bagels in Vienna and said they didn't hold a flame to this place, so I guess I better write a good review of Brooklyn bagels. I'm a jew from Brooklyn. I laughed when I saw this shop, but secretly hoped it would be good, since we just moved to NoVa. It was! Really, good work guys! Bagels were great, and the appetizer were as well. Lox, whitefish, everything was A+ But, now we moved in to Vienna and you're gonna make me drive to Arlington? Shit. Well at least it's closer than Park Slope :)
(5)Sara R.
My go-to spot for bagels!! Just as good as in New York and my favorite spot in the city. Love the whole wheat everything with light veggie cream cheese, or smoked salmon cream cheese. Tuna salad is also good. Cash only.
(5)Jon H.
I would give it five stars, but its just solid bagels here. The service is efficient (almost too efficient), and the bagels are pretty fresh and decently priced. Highlights? French Toast bagel (rare in many places) and Salt bagel (rare as well, mostly NY specific). I would have given it 5 stars, but unfortunately I found out 2 days later that Bruegger's has Salt Bagels now too, and I think their bagels are just fresher, so I took a star away. All in all, the bagels are very solid here. Just a tad too thick (I had 1 once that almost had no hole in the middle), and just a tad too dense. Unfortunately, I just can't tell the difference between here and Brueggers anymore, and to me, Brueggers is just fresher.
(4)Andrei C.
This is the only bagel place in the Courthouse area of Arlington, therefore, not much choice when it comes to bagels. The texture and taste of the BBB bagels is mediocre, at best. The cream cheese mixes are OK, some are actually nice, depending on your personal preferences. Although the bagels are mediocre, they are still better than Einstein Brothers and other factory franchise type of stores. Although they bill themselves a bakery, BBB does not provide "baker's dozen" packages to take to your office. For those who do not know what a baker's dozen means - it is a package that contains 13 items and you pay the price for 12. BBB is the only bakery I have walked into that does not do that. The really bad part is when you try something that is non-bagel. The sandwiches are yucky. The Philly Cheesesteak sandwich barely has any cheese on it, it is drowned in mayo and the vegetables are almost raw, barely heated on the griddle. Yuck, yuck, yuck! The Coney Island sandwich was even worse, with the chicken breast being so overcooked, it chewed like a piece of Goodyear rubber. Another oddity is that the place is located in a heavily populated area with lots of offices, yet they do not accept credit cards and I never got a receipt from them unless I specifically asked for it (and I got the evil eye for doing so). I wonder if the IRS knows of this piece of trivia. Conclusion: bagels are somewhat OK, other items suck. Prices are generally high for the quality you get. Cash only and no receipts. I would avoid this place.
(1)Debi N.
I've been to many bagel shops. I even have my go-to-bagel-shop place back home that I miss dearly. This place it's as amazing as everyone makes it seem.. It's cute, they have lots of yummy drink choices and menu items, and the service is quick. I like that it's quick. However, if I'm gonna pay for lox, I expect some lox. They always seem to jip me and it's never enough to fill the bagel. I've also notice (with egg bagel sandwiches) the egg is like only like 1/2 the size of the bagel. Which leaves extra bread. Yeah, the bagel itself is okay, but I don't want just bread. If I did I'd just order a plain bagel for 1/4 of the price than a whole sandwich. However, this place is the only place I found near me that serves lox. So I'll be back...I guess. Oh yes, CASH ONLY, which sucks.
(2)Chad O.
Grew up on bagels in northern Jersey and NYC. Brooklyn Bagels is as good as I've found in NOVA/DC after 3 years of trying. It is CASH only, ATM machine in store. Saturday mornings are a zoo. Seating is limited, but turns over relatively quickly. There is a charge for coffee/soda refills. The bagel, egg, cheese, and whatever sandwiches are extremely good and popular. However, they do full deli sandwiches. My personal favorite is chicken salad on pumpernickel bagel with sprouts.
(5)Kristen R.
I gotta give it to them... being middle eastern, taking cash only in a preppy white area.. they do well for themselves. Their bagels are good, their breakfast sandwiches are better. This girl at the register is not very nice, the guys behind the counter don't mess around. When it's your time to order you better order. Reminds me of New York i guess.
(4)Shahram L.
Excellent bagels. Chocolate chip, cheddar jalapeño, all kinds. It's totally worth the wait. Everything is just so fresh and delicious.
(5)Sarah H.
A must -try bagel place in DC. If I lived here I'd be a regular. It's right across the street from the metro too.. how convenient is that?! They also have a private parking lot in the back.. how convenient is that x2?! Bagels are baked fresh every morning and there's a good selection of breads, spreads, and combos to choose from. The BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE on GARLIC BAGEL is addicting. Grab an orange juice or coffee to pair with your bagel. Can't wait to come here again when I visit DC. yummy yummy yummy.
(5)Lindsay R.
1 star deduction because A) I wish they would take credit cards B) I wish there was more seating. I've been here twice in the past couple weeks and I'm pretty sure my husband and I will make it a weekly trip! Bagels are fresh and yummy. Service is quick. I believe prices are comparable for the area (actually, probably a bit less expensive than Corner Bakery, which is next door, but better quality). So far I have had the everything bagel with plain cream cheese and the lox with cream cheese. Both were delish! That little shop gets very crowded and you need to know what you're going to order before getting into line, or else you're holding up the staff. In my opinion, staff were not rude, but just worked at a hurried pace (which I appreciate) to serve the food quickly. Check in with Foursquare and get a free bagel and cream cheese.
(4)Valarie G.
Cash only and very very loud machines kind of kill the ambiance. I got lox, onion, and an egg on an everything bagel and while it was good - it was overly salty...but could be my fault on the ordering as well.
(3)Ayla B.
The only place open for breakfast before 8am around here (Opens M-F 0630, Sat & Sun 0700). Thanks to the other reviews, we got cash beforehand (no plastic taken here) & the hubby & I checked out the menu online so we wouldn't hold up the line deciding what we wanted. Cost was more than we expected, $20.80 for: Sausage, egg, & cheese on cinnamon raisin bagel w/ plain cream cheese (they use a real fried egg!) Sausage, egg, & cheese on sun dried tomato bagel w/ veggie lite cream cheese (sausage is perfect) Two spiced chai lattes (best I've ever had!!) Two orange juices I thoroughly enjoyed watching them make the bagels while we ate. The kitchen is surrounded by glass so you can watch the process from beginning to end! Overall, great experience!! The bagels were so perfect! Not so chewy & heavy on the inside like most bagels. Nice crunch on the outside. We'll definitely be going again while we're in town!
(5)Jaymi F.
I don't understand... maybe because this is the only 'breakfast' place within walking distance. Long lines. rude staff. cash only (with no signs posting such). bad bagels. That's what I don't understand: bad bagels = long lines?
(1)John G.
Bar none the best in arlington to get your bagels. Speedy service great selection of bagels and at the very least competitive if not inexpensive prices. Just be sure to bring cash or use the on site ATM as they dot take cards. Beyond their bagels their breakfast sandwiches and lunch pizza are both highlights as well
(5)Windi L.
Do you remember the soup Nazi? As in "HAVE YOUR ORDER READY TO GO" type of operation? Yeah... Brooklyn Bagel is kind of like that. The line gets long but it moves quickly. When ordering, speak LOUDLY and CLEARLY. Oh how many times have I ordered a tuna melt and it came with Swiss cheese **GAG** Articulate your words. The bagels here are made in house and served fresh. My favorite is the salt bagel. Only gripe is that there's only salt on one side of the bagel so if you get a tuna melt (as I often do), you only get that salty crunch on one of the pieces of tuna. Another Chinky favorite is the lox with a coffee and biscotti. Something about their biscotti is unique and different. Very tasty and not too stale. Sorry, kids... I can't comment on their cream cheese as I don't eat that stuff. They also serve coconut water so when you're hung over from your pepper party you can hydrate correctly. Cash only. Just to give you an idea of the cost: one tuna melt on a salt bagel + one lox on salt (no cream cheese) + 1 small coffee + 1 bottled juice + 1 coconut water == $20 even. Limited seating both indoors and out but somehow I always find a seat. Oh and don't even think about bringing a dog inside. It's not worth the risk.
(4)Erin T.
This is the worst bagel shop I have been to in the DC area. First, every bagel you eat will automatically taste like onions because they use the same utensils between bagels. Second, if you spend more than five minutes in the restaurant you will come out smelling like burnt toast. Third, their roof leaks in heavy rain on your head while you stand in line. Fourth, I hope you like Raisin or Plain bagels, because those are the only two flavors they consistently have in stock. Fifth, if you find you accidentally didn't carry cash into this "apparently" cash-only restaurant, you will be berated by the cashier as you leave (Don't worry, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, I won't be making that mistake again--I won't be coming back). Sixth, the bagels are not nearly fresh enough to be called true Brooklyn style--false advertising. Skip it and go to the Cosi across the street.
(1)Hannah B.
It's probably good that this place doesn't take credit cards..or I'd eat there every morning. They make probably the best bacon egg and cheese I've ever had. The bagels are a pretty big side and they loooaddd it with bacon. Its not like one from other places where they give you a couple slices Also don't be intimidated by the hangover crowd on the weekend, the line moves pretty fast. Even though I started off my review with "It's probably good they don't take credit cards",I do wish they did(reasons for not the full 5 stars) I'm one of those people who never has cash because once I get it, its gone. I have been there when they've let people pay with credit card. Not sure if they know the owners or if they have a big purchase, but they do have an atm in there and there is also a Wells Fargo and Bank of America right around the corner. Overall delicious bagels and bagel sandwichs. A must for every Saturday/Sunday morning for sure.
(4)Matt K.
I live in Long Island so have grown up on the best bagels in the world and especially the best bacon-egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches. Because of this, I didn't even want to try one of these in Virgina. So, I ordered the ROCKAWAY REUBEN and it was delicious!
(4)Timothy M.
Best bagels in Arlington
(5)Paul L.
I have a good friend who really likes this place. It is, indeed, an OK place and I don't regret going. The bagel, their mainstay, is just OK. They are a little doughy. Perhaps I am picky because I am a New Yorker. I probably would have given them four stars if they didn't have Brooklyn in the name. If the premise is a New York bagel, that's what I expect. I ordered a simple egg and cheese w/salt,pepper, ketchup. The egg wasn't enough to cover the bagel, there was not cheese and salt,peper,ketchup on the side. Now, the egg issues was a matter of taste, the cheese was forgivable, but are you really going to call yourself a NYC bagel company and not put the SPK on the bagel for the customer? I have never had a bagel in the five boroughs where I said, salt peper ketchup and they didn't apply it to the sandwich. It's a good spot, but it would be better known as Arlington Bagel Bakery. Although on a fair note, it has epic New York style lines. Depending on the time of day, it has Moses and the Exodus style lines.
(3)Brooke G.
Jew from NJ/NY looking for a good bagel in the DMV area! I tried a few places and *maybe* Bethesda Bagels holds a candle to them, but it was extinguished in due time. I tend to go there every Sunday to grab bagels to bring mom's (of note, she says there's no comparison in the area). They are freshly baked, yum :-) There is a separate line for just bagels (along with cream cheese, whitefish containers, etc...) and they are quick to serve you. However, the line for sandwiches can get a bit long but tends to move quickly. The only downside is that they are cash-only. While I never spend enough to warrant use of a credit card, I don't always carry cash, and have to remember to hit the ATM. It's convenient that there is a B o A right around the corner.
(5)N M.
Fast and yummy. The service while efficient is not pleasant, but they get the job done. If you forget cash, they have an ATM. Busy place on weekends!
(5)Ann B.
The most New Yorkish things about this place are that they're crabby, they only take cash, and it's somewhat awkward to move around in when it's busy. Their bagels are actually pretty decent, though they tend to run out of popular varieties and the outer-bagel seasonings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, salt, etc.) can be sparse to absent. They have a nice variety of stuff like fresh fruit, salads, cookies, etc. and a good beverage selection. Pizza is okay - Goody's is better. The least New Yorkish thing about this place is the amount of cream cheese on my bagel. Their cream cheese schmears are SKIMPY. The goop should be falling on my lap! Things like chicken/tuna salad get piled on in great heaping mounds... why not the cream cheese? Sheesh.
(3)Taieb Z.
Best bagels in DMV area !!!
(5)C H.
Great Bagel for a good Price. Its a good sign when the entire shop is full at 0930 on Sunday morning. They didn't get a 5th Star because the coffee was not fresh and a bit weak. Other than the coffee I would highly recommend Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)Jason K.
Good lox and cream cheese. My friends were somewhat disappointed with their stuff but mine was great.
(3)C M.
One time I was trying to motivate myself to go on a 7-8 mile run. I reeeally didn't want to. What, I thought, could possibly be a great enough reward to run that far at 8 AM on a Saturday morning? And then it hit me: an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich on an everything bagel from Brooklyn Bagels in Courthouse. THE ONLY THING WORTH RUNNING FOR. Thus, I ran all the way from NW DC, across bridges and up ENDLESS HILLS, to Arlington just to get a bagel from this place. It was entirely worth it. The bagels are fresh and chewy, not bread-y. They fry real eggs (not yellowish circles of rubber) for their breakfast sandwiches. The staff is efficient and speedy (I don't find them rude at all). To think I once lived just down the street! Why didn't I eat here every single day? Why don't they open like 10 more locations? Why are bagel options so terrible in DC? Whyyyyyy??
(5)Nicky B.
I eat Brooklyn bagel about once a week (would be more if my metabolism would just go back to its pre-teen state) and today while chomping on my everything bagel with cream cheese and tomato, I felt compelled to write a review. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet, because it is HANDS DOWN the BEST bagel in DC. Now, if you know bagels, you'll know that this does not say much, but still, they're really good. I recommend the jalapeno and cheddar (it's not that spicy, but it's good) or an everything bagel. The reviews that say this place isn't like New York's bagels, get a life people. I've had some pretty crappy bagels in New York too. For DC, this place is as good as you get. They also have pizza at lunch which is pretty good for a grab and go slice in the area. Take cash, no credit card accepted here!
(5)Jason F.
I recently moved to DC--our Nation's capital--from New York--our Nation's bagel capital. As an open bagel-a-holic, I anticipated suffering some serious withdrawal when I left NYC. Why? I couldn't believe that a decent bagel could be found below the Mason-Dixon Line. I thought that DC-metro-area bagel quality would be Dead Sea low. Itching for a fix, one day I decided to give Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a try. To my surprise, it wasn't pretty decent. Not as good as NY, but it'll satisfy my bagel craving for as long as I live in Arlington.
(4)Derek H.
I went to this place at about 2:30 PM on a Saturday afternoon. It was like walking into a scene from Braveheart; just the bloody remains of a terrible battlefield. It was a surreal experience. Empty napkin holders, overflowing trashcans, war-weary staff, drained coffee canisters, syrup-starved soda machines... It looked like a hurricane had come through. Which is easy to understand when you consider this is the best bagel shop in the greater Arlington area and people, they love their goddamn bagels. I recommend it for that purpose alone. They have great homemade bagels, a nice variety of cold cut and breakfast sandwiches, and the usual ye ole bagel shoppe accompaniments (like decent coffee). There is nothing extraordinary here; just a solid joint that does what they advertise with very little fuss. It is too bad that Brooklyn Bagel is squeezed into that little strip of courthouse bars/restaurants there. If it was easier to get there via car, I'd make it a more routine destination. But then again, going by at 10 AM on a Sunday and I'd I have to say, I kind of doubt they're hurting for my business.
(3)Patrick G.
I consider myself a lentil soup conniseur & they have some of the best (house made) I've ever had! I am addicted to theirs. I wish I could say the same about their rude/indifferent staff. It would make the experience more pleasant if they were more friendly. The lentil soup gets 5 stars, however, the staff only get 1 star. Sorry
(3)David K.
I'm not an expert on bagels or New York or New York style bagels. But I do consider myself an expert on breakfast sandwiches having experienced fast food breakfasts at at least 15 fast food chains. I can safely say the sausage egg and cheese bagel on a jalapeno cheese bagel is the best I've ever had. I routinely drive across the county to wait in a huge Saturday morning line for this sandwich, and will continue too. Be aware that it will be very crowded at all times during the morning and weekends. There is limited seating inside, a bit outside, so take out makes sense. Often, they will have the bagel machine turned on so you can see how the bagels were made. This is also a pretty dog friendly location with the outdoor seating, and many local residents bring their dogs here while they enjoy the food. Note that it is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM on the premises. Also note that they spelled their own name wrong on the logo printed on the glass front door. For some reason I always get a kick out of this. I'm obviously easily entertained which is probably why my favorite movies are Captain Ron and Freddy Got Fingered.
(5)Kristin W.
Definitely one of the best bagel spots in the DC area. Fresh, soft bagels in a variety of flavors and tasty cream cheese are available if you can brave the curt efficiency of the employees behind the counter.
(4)Aaron P.
I can't speak to everything on the menu, but the toasted onion bagel with cream cheese makes me wish my flight home to California was delayed. Are bagels allowed as a carry-on?
(5)Justin C.
Nicole was having a huge bagel craving after missing out on her office's free bagels which were of course brought in during Yom Kippur when she couldn't eat them. I decided to scan Yelp for somewhere not too far (I didn't feel like going into the city just for bread) with a good reputation and came upon BBB. We got there later in the day, around 2pm on a Sunday, so pretty much all of our first choices for bagel type were sold out. From the few remaining options I chose the jalapeno & cheddar bagel as the basis for my BLT+cheese. I was quite unhappy, and most likely would have given them 2 stars had Nicole not enjoyed hers and the fact we arrived so late. To me, the bagel tasted very little like either jalapeno OR cheddar, and was tough for this style of bagel. The cheese on the sandwich tasted just like those little slices in the plastic your mom used to put on your sandwiches, yuck. There was almost no bacon or tomato, so I wound up with essentially a lettuce and mayo sandwich. Also, the drinks from the refrigerator are not cold, so I suggest getting a cup of ice from the fountain machine.
(3)Tu-van L.
Never actually stepped foot into the place, but the two times I've had bagels brought over from this place I've been impressed. The bagels are HUGE with the right ratio of chewy and crunchy. The first instance was half of a sesame bagel with cream cheese and lox. That half filled me plenty for my morning event. The second instance was an assortment of bagels with cream cheese and some lox. While the plain bagels were warm and chewy, the everything bagel was disappointing. As my favorite bagel flavor, the everything was hard and tough to chew with not much "everything" on it. Nevertheless both those bagels with the fixings were enough to fill me the entire day. If I'm in the neighborhood during the day, I'd definitely stop by for some other bagel sandwich options. Can only imagine how much bigger their sandwiches are with those HUGE bagels.
(4)Jack F.
Not sure how Brooklyn Bagel Bakery ("BBB") stacks up against a real NYC deli but it certainly exudes the same NY attitude - impatient, entitled, and "what's it to you." BBB certainly has a huge morning following. The bagels are undoubtedly large and crusty (see Percy W.). Hygiene, however, might be questionable. When I purchased a pre-packaged container of cream cheese, it looked like it had already been used (knife marks), there was a short strand of hair on the bagels (not mine), and I even noticed a tiny bug. Individually, none of these instances would bother me but taken altogether, I'm having second thoughts. Bottom Line: Verdict is still out but I'm willing to try again. [Original Visit: November 14, 2010]
(3)Brandi H.
I've only ever been here for breakfast. It's good, but it's not Brooklyn style. They don't have kaiser rolls available for breakfast sandwiches...ever hear of a Breakfast Special? It's a NY area signature, along with a Hungry Man Hero. They could easily make these if they had the bread. And even in NYC they don't rush the line like they do here.
(3)JJ K.
As a former Jerseyan, I am very particular about my bagels. No snobbery here; those from the NYC area just have been spoiled. When I moved to the area several years ago and saw this joint, I silently scoffed at the name. But of course I had to test it out. My verdict? Authentic taste! I would not go anywhere else in the area for a bagel. Every time I have a bagel from here, I am taken back to my childhood in the armpit of America. Absolutely recommended!
(5)Joseph B.
Where else would you go for a quick breakfast sandwich? Significantly better coffee and bagels than DD. The lunch menu is just as good...I think I ordered the Williamsburg so many times in the last 12 months it really would not surprise me if I turned into one. Great sandwich, worth the $6.
(4)Andrew H.
I'm going to preface this by saying: I KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT WHAT MAKES A BAGEL AUTHENTIC OR NOT That being said, I really enjoyed this little place. I was in town on business for a week, staying at the Courtyard stop (not a whole lot going on there, honestly) I was looking for a breakfast place close to the hotel and ended up eating at this little hole-in-the-wall almost every day. Bagels had a good balance of tough and chew. I really liked the bacon, egg, and cheese bagels. Bacon had the perfect level of crispiness. Their OJ is REALLY good, and REALLY expensive ($2.50). The service is a bit...short...rude...and downright surly, but that didn't bother me *too* much. Also, be warned: THIS PLACE IS CASH ONLY.
(4)Alexandra M.
OVERVIEW: Ohmygod amazing! Best. Bagel. Place. They have great home-made bagels and bagel sandwiches, especially for some one who is hung over on a Saturday morning. It is a tiny place and it is CASH ONLY. The service is loud, fast, and totally awake, unlike I was. How does a bagel place get a 5-star rating? By having the best bagels, preparing bagel sandwiches fresh right in front of you with amazing/fresh ingredients, always being crammed full of hungry people ( a sure sign of a great food find), and totally satisfying/curing hangovers! That is how! A friend of mine took me here one Saturday morning (you know those days where you throw on sweats, glasses, and a ball cap? Yeah, one of those) because I said I just wanted an Einstein bagel or something. I am SO glad he brought me to this local gem instead. The place is basically a long row house with a counter running the length of it. They have tons of different types of bagels (made fresh) and once you've selected what you want (bagel with schmear or a sandwich etc) you basically follow your bagel down the assembly line counter and watch the guys behind the counter work their bagel magic. The servers and bagel magicians were pretty loud, and definitely trying to move the line along; some Yelpers said that this was a negative. I think it's great. It was a very fun experience. It definitely helped wake me up! It IS cash-only, but I have come to discover that almost ALL my favorite places in Arlington are cash-only.
(5)Danielle M.
I'm from New Jersey where the bagels are excellent and these bagels are a close second. Although be aware that they only take cash.
(5)Meghan B.
The bagels are absolutely delicious, and you can watch them make them while you eat. I had an egg and cheese on wheat with hot sauce and ketchup two days in a row because it was just that good. It's a small restaurant and always seems to be packed (especially on New Year's Day morning haha), but the line moves very quickly. The workers have a great system down. One thing I didn't like -- the first time I went I asked for lettuce and tomato on my bagel also, and somehow that led to an extra $1.50 charge. That seemed steep given that the egg and cheese is closer to $3.00 or $3.50 by itself. So, I would just order an actual sandwich bagel that already comes with some veggies on it if that's what you want to beat the extra charge.
(4)Riley S.
Comme Ci, Comme Ça. Calling these New York bagels? Errr I don't think I can give them that title. No one can make NYC bagels except NYC itself, yes it's common knowledge but I figured reiterating it might make me feel better about spending money on a mediocre bagel and coffee. I went once, I might go back again but I don't have any intention on it. I ordered an asiago bagel with cream cheese, tomato, capers and onions - it was okay at best. There was the faintest trace of asiago in the bagel and definitely nothing to write home about. It was well organized military style ordering - the menu is above your head I suggest you be ready before they're ready for you! Tips: 1. It is cash ONLY - no credit cards are accepted. 2. It's a bagel joint, it's going to be cramped - take it home or post up on benches outside. There are plenty of places to eat in Courthouse, be creative. 3. The Bagel Nazis definitely live up to their name, just expect it and you won't be offended. 4. The coffee cups are weak - there is no barrier between your hand and the lava coffee you just poured.
(2)Melissa F.
Five stars for NYC bagel authenticity. As a native New Yorker, this is where I go when I crave a bagel and cream cheese that doesn't need to be toasted to taste good. If you know neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll get an extra kick out of realizing that the names of the sandwiches are spot on (e.g., the Howard Beach for an Italian one with mozzarella, roasted peppers, etc.). As folks have mentioned, you should know what you want when you approach the counter. For some this may seem rude - to me it feels like home, and helps ensure that service is speedy. If you follow the rules, you'll actually find service to be friendly :) Ooh and try the fresh squeezed OJ - it's worth the price!
(5)May T.
Seriously the best bagel I have ever had. Their everything bagel has toppings on the bottom of their bagel as well as the top. It's got airy pockets and it's perfectly chewy. Really no need to toast unless you're eating it a day or two old. I showed up 10 minutes before they opened and they didn't look the slightest bit annoyed. LOVE THEM.
(5)Sandi W.
I love their custom sandwiches. Roast beef and provolone on wheat for me please! The ordering process can be a pain though. Most of the guys do not speak English and it can be hard to communicate your order at times. I kept telling one guy, DO NOT toast my bread over and over - huh? The guy next to him even relayed my message and he still didn't understand. As he was about to throw my bread in the toaster, I had to yell over the counter, NO TOAST! I hate having to do that... Otherwise, the sandwiches are good, generous, and cheap compared to other options in the area.
(4)Ryan O.
This place is just awesome! If you like fresh New York bagels, this the place for you. Quick service, reasonable, and the best tasting bagels around. I'm a sucker for sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwiches. Basically eat one whenever I'm out on the road in the morning (or afternoon) and this by far the best I've had. Try one for yourself.
(5)Kevin G.
This is what you expect of them: To deliver you a delicious bagel in little time, exactly as you ordered it. This is what is expected of you: Read the menu before you get to the head of the line and be prepared to order in a clear voice. They won't need you to repeat it, and they get it right the first time every time I've been there. If you can't do these things, expect attitude from the employees. What, princess? It's not like you were ever going to tip them anyway! Quid pro quo, Clarice. Be a douche and expect attitude in return. Oh, and CASH ONLY.
(5)Tracy P.
By far the best bagel shop in the georgetown/arlington area. Amazing bagel sandwiches (egg, cheese sausage) all made to order and delicious. And they are FAST, that line move quick, and they have a nice seating area out front. Easy parking too. Only negative is cash only, but that is a minor inconvenience.
(5)Joel S.
I recall a New Yorker edge to these guys a few years ago, but the past two days have been fine. The bagels are top notch. As far as this New Yorker is concerned you won't find a better bagel in the DC/VA/MD area. lots of bagel, spread, sandwich options make it all the better.
(4)Dea A.
Chewy, large, properly made and delicious. They have a pile of brownies to take and secretly eat for an unhealthy mid-day snack.
(5)Jen W.
As a New Yorker, I am a bit of a bagel snob but I must admit this is the best bagel I've found in this region. The only drawback is they don't accept credit cards but they do have an ATM in the place.
(5)L S.
Granted, I didn't have a bagel, so I can't attest to those. I did have the Park Slope sandwich, which was ok, but the bread it was on was disgusting - it tasted like cardboard. I ended up just eating the middle of the sandwich (carb lite!) and throwing the 'ciabata roll' (their term, not mine) out. For a place that calls itself a bakery, you'd think they'd have better. Fingers crossed I like the bagels better.
(2)Andrew G.
Legendary Arlington breakfast/lunch eatery. Super fresh bagels and breakfast sandwhiches. It can get very crowded on the weekends, but the lines move fast. Sausage Egg and Cheese and Sesame Bagel cannot be beat, and if nutrition wasn't a factor, I would eat here every morning.
(4)M L.
It's all been said: good bagels, nazi ordering process, crowded, takes only cash. But good overall and now my go to place for bagel cravings. Did anyone mention they have lox? I enjoy lox. Try a bagel with lox, cream cheese and capers.
(4)Serena B.
I was pretty disappointed with my experience here. It was a Sunday morning, so crowds are to be expected, but it was pretty chaotic. To keep it simple, I had a sesame bagel with strawberry cream cheese. That cream cheese was the most vile kind that I have ever had in my life. It was completely artificial in both taste and look- disgusting! The bagel wasn't anything to write home about either. I also noticed that several people were waiting for more coffee to be brewed as they were all out. Maybe it was an off day, but I thought it was terrible.
(2)Autumn B.
I stumbled into this place driving down Wilson Blvd and I noticed a line out the door on a Saturday morning. I found a spot and moseyed in. They've got a broad selection of bagels and sandwiches they make for any meal. Since it was morning, I had a sausage, egg & cheese and it was divine! The BLT is wonderful, as are the bagels & lox, as I've discovered on subsequent visits. I've found its easiest to park in the courthouse parking lot rather than try to find street parking. This place is a great spot for breakfast on the weekend, though be prepared for crowds.
(5)Billgrolic G.
Everything bagel, egg, cheese, some sort of breakfast meat. The best bagels I've had in the area. Had good lox here, as well. Be ready and sure of yourself when you place your order. The bagel guys behind the counter can smell fear (or how hungover you are).
(5)Ampersand A.
If you glance through the reviews below, you'll notice words like "terse" and "surly" and "bagel nazis." I've always noticed how angry the staff seems to be. Yes, the bagels are good. They are too big for most toasters though, and are too big for the average adult. Portion inflation? So -- angry, terse, surly service, good bagels -- and some kind of weird family dynamic going on with the servers. Like the brothers are angry that people are talking to their sister, and the sister is really intimidated by the brothers, but still wants to serve the customers.
(3)Gabriel B.
The bagels are better than any I've found in Northern Virginia, but the customer service is atrocious. I bought a cup of tea which was only filled half way with hot water. When I asked the cashier to finish filling the cup, I got a death stare before she did it. I certainly shouldn't be subjected to abuse to get what I paid for.
(2)Kate T.
Bacon, egg & cheese on an onion bagel....the official hangover cure In my world. I LOVE this place (even if I'm not hungover haha). I love everything about it... They don't take cash, it's a tiny place, the staff is a little abrasive..I don't care I love it. Those guys can move! I timed it once on a Sunday morning and even though I was like 20 deep in line, I was in and out within 10 minutes. They have amazing sandwiches for lunch, fresh interesting bagel flavors, GREAT coffee and yummy spreads. Now I'm hungry...I think I'll go there for lunch!
(5)Charlie T.
The best bagel sandwiches in town. Sausage, egg and cheese on everything.
(4)Ron G.
The food here is simply awesome. Probably the best bagel spot in the DC area and the food doesn't disappoint. It can get a bit crowded at times but if you have the patience, you will be back again and again.
(4)Jim B.
awesome bagels here. Maybe best I have ever had. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there is a huge line of extremely hungover people. Absolutely awesome egg sandwiches. Really miss this place...
(5)Remy K.
The best bagels on the east coast. I was recently in New York city and went to one of the highest rated bagels stores, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery bagels were much better and much closer
(5)Sonia R.
I got there every weekend the service is fast and there are many options for a yummy breakfast. They opened of Christmas and New Years day. I tried a few different bagels and my favorite is asiago. It is amazing! Their vanilla latte is very good too and better with a biscotti.
(5)Lauren J.
Not NYC, but damn close. Kind of had the feel of a NYC bagel shop with 75% of the attitude. Seriously though, the bagels are great. The variety of bagel and cream cheese flavors are really good. The coffee set up area (cream, sugar, etc) was cramped and could have been more efficient. This is not NYC, but trying to get a packet of sugar in your coffee made it feel like midtown manhattan.
(4)Hannah W.
This place has a long line in the morning, but fear not: the efficient staff behind the counter keep things moving pretty quickly. Also the bagels - crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside - are totally worth the wait.
(4)John B.
Hmm. I hate this "neighborhood." But I guess this isn't the place for hate. So, well, the bagels are pretty good. And surprisingly, they're actually bagels (as opposed to overinflated mounds of insipid dough). Crunch and texture, which is more than I can say for most bagels in my old hometown (the bakery's namesake). I'm the kind of person who'd rather not hear about how epic your night was if I don't know you. If you're my kind of person, you probably won't want to dine on site. A surprising number of collegiate eye-rollers seem to feel that waves of Captain Morgan nausea are the perfect fodder for breakfast table conversation. Is this what the bagel has been reduced to? Sop up for your gross, loud hangover?
(4)Bill G.
In Courthouse, you can't get a better breakfast sandwich. My recommendations, the french toast bagel and the jalapeno cheddar bagel, depending on your mood. Their lunch is also great, but i frequent for breakfast more often. as for the bagel nazi comments, i call BS. these guys are efficient. the can make a fresh breakfast sandwich from scratch with the speed and efficiency of a nascar pit tcrew. don't mess with their flow and know what you want when you order, and they will be polite and friendly.
(4)Koko O.
It's Sunday morning, you unstick your face from the cold bathroom tile floor and unwrap your arms from around the toilet. You feel gross, dirty, and used. You glance in the mirror and wipe away the horror movie mascara streaks running down your cheeks. You're ravenous--everything you consumed in the last 24H has been expelled in the commode. You want, no you NEED something hot and greasy, stat! Thank Jesus Herbert Christ that Brooklyn Bagel exists! Change out of your Walk O' Shame clothes and drag your ass to this promiseland of bagels and pizza and sandwiches. However, be warned: 1. Cash Only; why else do you think they have that archaic ATM right at the entrance? 2. Long lines; this is because these bagel sandwiches are ambrosia and word gets out. Also, the line gives you time to scan the menu so as to avoid . . . 3. NO BAGEL FOR YOU! These guys are bagel nazis. Seriously. They run a tight ship, plus it shouldn't take a grown ass adult more than 90 seconds to know what kind of bagel s/he wants. They yell. Loudly. It's scarey. BBB makes their bagels in house--if you can find a seat in the joint then check out the poor guy charged with sticking his hands in that hot bagel water then shoving those puppies in the Hansel & Gretel oven. It borders on sweatshoppery but his painful screams translate to tastey cinnamon raisin bagels.
(5)Daniel B.
For the DC area this is the closest you are going to come to the NYC experience (I have lived there and this place feels right). From the cash bias to the focused on efficiency employees (really, how nice to they have to be? Just get me my bagel and do it right, that is all I ask, in particular in the morning). Their salt bagels are great (though they often sell out) and overall their bagels are just right..... Now this review only applies to the bagels or the bagel sandwiches, since that is all I ever get here.
(5)Galen W.
I went to Brooklyn Bagel Saturday morning for a quick, late breakfast. Was quite happy with my bacon, egg and cheese everything bagel. My girlfriend was equally pleased with her ham and cheese plain bagel. My coffee was fine as well, although nothing special. Service was quick despite a bit of a line when we arrived. The indoor seating is a bit cramped, but fine for a quick meal, which is what your getting here. Very noise when they are running the bagel making machine, but I did enjoy watching the process, as you can see through glass and watch them make the bagels. I'll definitely be stopping buy again when I'm looking for a breakfast sandwich.
(4)Amanda B.
Big, fresh bagels. Lots of variety - french toast bagel, anyone? And great sandwich options with simple, fresh ingredients. They actually fry up the eggs for breakfast sandwiches right then. Definitely feels like you are in New York (attitude and all). But totally worth it. Also, it's really cool to watch them actually making the bagels from the dining area. If you can get a seat.
(5)Keri M.
I love the smoked whitefish salad here. The salad tastes fresh, in the same way that hummus is best when you first open the container from the store. And it makes for a very filling sandwich. But my bagel wasn't that fresh. This place is a madhouse on weekend mornings, but they move you through the line very quickly.
(3)Jonathan S.
This is a neighborhood staple for those in the Clarendon, Courthouse and Rosslyn areas (and I've heard of people coming from much further for their spectacular bagels). Like one of the earlier reviewers, I grew up in northern NJ and I'd consider myself a pretty accomplished authority on bagels. Compared to where I grew up, we live in the South (yeah I know, it's like the pretend South and it's full of carpetbaggers like me, but outside of chains like Bruegger's (which I don't care for) and Einstein Bros. (which is slightly better) you never find good bagels south of...I dunno...let's say Delaware. Certainly not south of the Mason-Dixon - and let's face it, we're in a state with a highway named after the president of the Confederacy). I don't know what it is about this place, but they hit the nail on the head. My dad always insisted that it's the local water that determines a good bagel (kind of like how the unique cocktail of yeasts in the air in San Francisco renders it the only air that can make their particular brand of sourdough). I don't know what it is, but it's working. They're crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and they use enough salt in the mix to make them taste right. They also slather on the cream cheese and provide generous helpings of lox (my usual). Don't hesitate to try the whitefish salad either, it's smoky and delicious. I took off one star because they have a tendency to mess up your order from time to time (and they can be a little pushy - see below references to the "soup-nazi" in earlier reviews). Also, I've noticed mold on the potato knishes they've had out on display in the past, and that's gross (but forgivable in my opinion, given the quality of their main product).
(4)Mai K.
I am so glad that Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is close by. I miss a good bagel -- crusty on the outside, and mochi-mochi soft on the inside. There is nothing like a fresh bagel, though my waistline was happier without the unhealthy relationship with this carb.... Now that is over. I'm done. This wknd, I was seriously craving a bagel-and-lox with tomato, cucumber, and capers. And there it was, out of a dream, wrapped in wax paper and perfect. Friends were very happy with the blueberry bagel and shmears, too. Getting my carbohydrates on tomorrow before work, without apology.
(4)Jeremy B.
Bacon. Egg. Cheese. Everything Bagel. Enough said, right? Well OK, I'll say a little more. This place is so jumpin that it can be a real turnoff. I'm here to tell you that you MUST wait through the lines, you've gotta let people behind you try and steal your bagel when they call it out, they're trying to steal it because they know everything here is so good it doesnt even matter if they get what they ordered, they just want it faster! An overcrowded place can be a killer for me, but this is one place I think you gotta fight through the crowded of still half drunk 20-somethings and get your fix. When it nicer I love sitting out on the sidewalk and just enjoying the morning.
(4)Bryant W.
The best bagel in DC. I love the Everything Bagel with Lox. The only downside is they only take cash.
(4)A A.
I'll keep this one simple, since there's not much to it. Definitely some of the best bagels in the area and there's a lot to choose in terms of bagel sandwiches. The prices seem reasonable and it's a good bang for your buck. I noticed they have a huge selection of juice choices in case you're a juice freak. It's annoying that it's cash only, but there's an ATM inside. Every time I've gone there has been a wait, as it is in the heart of Courthouse and that area is always busy. There is indoor and outdoor seating if you get there early enough. Not sure why anyone would go to any other bagel place with this in close proximity.
(4)Matherine G.
Positive: Delicious bagel sandwiches. Probably the best we've had in the DC area. Located in a nice area in Arlington. Negative: The inside can be a bit cramped. We agree with several of the reviewers that this place is sort of a "don't chat, don't look, just order fast and get the hell out kind of process." Overall: Delicious bagels? Yes please! We enjoy coming here and will be back in the future.
(4)Chuck W.
The rave reviews on Yelp compelled me to try this place out, and I suppose these guys now have a 'Soup Nazi'-like mystique to them. Frankly, at 9am on a Saturday morning, I wasn't really sure what all the hype was all about. I had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel that was supposed to be double-toasted, and wasn't. The price was decent, and it was just OK. I mean, how hard is it to mess up bacon, egg, and cheese? Anyways, I'd say it's a good alternative to Cosi and Corner Bakery in that section of Courthouse, but I'm not jonesing to go there every chance I get. I suppose I should mention it's cash-only, and get there early or else there's a huge line of hungover 20 and 30 somethings ready to get their bagel on.
(3)Maggie H.
Best bagels ever! Get the warm chicken salad and provolone bagel on a multigrain. Get there early though--they sell out quick!
(5)Anne B.
If I could rate the bagels alone, I'd give them 5 stars. You really get the true New York bagel experience when dealing with the guys behind the counter. Brusque for sure. Their pizza is okay, but I'm concerned about how long it sits on the counter neither heated nor refrigerated. Their tuna wraps are good, but nothing special. Decent prices. Smoothies are good, but expect to wait a bit to get one, unless you arrive at a particularly slow part of the day. The cash only deal is stupid. It makes the check out line take longer than it needs to.
(3)Sarah B.
Definitely best bagel spot in the area. Sort of hilarious how surly the staff can be; almost like they are annoyed you are bothering them with your ordering of wonderful bagels. They pull it off though, because this place is the jam.
(4)Maria Q.
I am from Brooklyn. These bagels are NOT!!! They have the consistency of cement and their crust is disgusting, unbrowned sesame bagels, yuck! I don't mean to be offense but seriously I am not sure how anyone could think these Bagels are good. Bethesda Bagel is much better or even Whole Foods.
(1)Lauren R.
Brooklyn Bagel, where have you been all my life? Or at least the last two and a half years of it? I am stoked to finally find a place that serves my favorite food group, the insanely large NY bagel slathered with ridiculous amounts of cream cheese or stacked high with meaty goodness. Easily worth the drive to the other side of Arlington and even the fight to find parking... as far as I know, this is the only place of its type anywhere in the area. The BLT and tuna salad on everything were both awesome, but the toasted onion bagel with lox, capers, sliced red onions, and cream cheese was pure perfection - exactly what I yearn for. Yum. I'm afraid that this discovery is going to cause serious Saturday morning cravings from now on.
(5)Allison G.
Authentic, delicious bagels in Arlington! Thank God, carb lovers unite. Tons of bagel flavors, lots of cream cheese choices, egg, meat, and cheese bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit sides, tons of drink choices, and fast, sassy service. Also got one of their salads to go and had it for lunch and it was fresh and flavorful as well. We go pretty much every weekend, along with every other 18-30 yr. old in Arlington. BRING CASH--that's my least favorite part. But at least it's affordable.
(4)Scott G.
The bagels are excellent. I brought them into a meeting at work and people couldn't stop talking about them. There is one caveat, which is not an issue for me. If you've ever seen the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld, that will give you a good start. Come in, order your bagels, give them cash and leave. Don't expect to get chatty with the help, be humored if you have no idea what you want to order, or get a friendly smile if you want a dozen bagels, each prepared in a different way.
(5)Michelle H.
The best bagels made locally. Not to soft or doughy, good selection of flavors.
(5)Leese H.
Be aware that the bagels are somewhat dry. I come back because it's one of the few quick in-and-out breakfast places in the area. There's scattered seating in the back, and some open seating outside of store when the weather is warm. My favorite is the lox with tomato, red onions and capers. Great place for a fast carb-fix after a rough hangover.
(3)Kara B.
Best bagel spot in the area! From breakfast sandwiches to the surprisingly delicious pizza bagel for lunch - it's worth a visit. It's incredible how the staff keeps all the orders going with the crowds on the weekends, but I've never seen them make a mistake. Note: Cash only. Seating is tight but there's high turnover.
(4)Elina T.
Only bagel place in the DC area that serves authentic, NY-style bagels. I can judge 'cause I'm from Brooklyn! The bagels are always fresh (you can see the staff making them in the back) and, even though it's always packed in the mornings, they take your order very fast and never mess it up. I always get the bagel with lox and they give you a very generous portion of lox as well. Their sandwiches are very good also, I like the Coney Island. The owner is also really friendly and he works the line just like anybody else. He always recognizes us when we come in.
(5)Larry F.
Having worked around the corner from this restaurant for almost three years, I stop in regularly at least twice a week - usually once for a bagel and cr cheese, and once for a sausage/egg/cheese sandwich. It is a very popular restaurant - there is usually a line at times you would expect, but there are plenty of staff and it goes very very quickly. The bagels are reminiscent of NYC...light and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and there are plenty of varieties always available. In addition to the normal selections, they also make a french toast bagel which you could easily eat without any additional topping. They sell a large variety of homemade cream cheeses. My favorites are the lox spread, maple walnut, and especially the garlic cr cheese. They offer a plain lite spread, but they could do well by offering other flavors in lite as well. Their breakfast sandwiches are decent, but I always have to remember to ask for salt and pepper...they can sometimes tend to be a little flat on flavor. Lunch sandwiches are decent as well, but I tend to stick with breakfast fare at this establishment. The one drawback is they only take cash.
(4)Angela M.
Best bagel place ever!
(5)Geoff P.
I don't care about how authentic they may or may not be; all I know is that the Brooklyn Bagel makes my favorite bagels in the DC area! The egg and cheese bagel sandwiches are excellent as well. While the staff may sometimes be a bit terse during the late morning rush, I find them to be very efficient and accommodating as long as you are prepared to order and are understanding that it can get very busy on weekend mornings.
(5)Jess M.
Best sausage, egg and cheese on a bagel you can get in town! The service is friendly and to the point, the atmosphere is always busy. Credit cards aren't accepted here, so don't forget your cash!
(4)Scott B.
Visiting from out of town. Did a quick Yelp and found BBB was the place for bagels. Indeed, the reviews were correct and I'm glad I went with an everything bagel. The strawberry cream cheese was a little disappointing, as it was pink with little strawberry flavor. Coffee is good and enjoyed watching the bagels being made as I ate. Give it a try...
(4)Frank W.
A snug place to grab food with friends. The food is nice and the guys in this store are friendly.
(5)Ryan F.
After a raucous night out, most weekend mornings I'm feelin a bit less spry than I usually do. After waking up and completing the 3 S's I like to mosey my way into Brooklyn Bagel for some dank doughy deliciousness. The bacon, egg, and Cheese is my path the enlightenment and a more pleasant day. Sure the bagel folk are a bit surly (except the cute cashier), but you're probably being an retard holding up the line. So don't hold up the line, we all need our goddamn bagels! Don't make me have to choke a bitch!
(5)Cameron T.
The bagels were pretty good, but anyone who thinks they are totally authentic NY bagels has never lived there. Something about the consistency was not quite right, but they were still yummy! I really liked the Everything bagel. Great flavor, without going crazy on the garlic or onion. The blueberry bagels were just okay. Not a whole lot of blueberry flavor, kind of bland. Hated the strawberry cream cheese. The bright pink coloring caught me off guard and had a slight artificial taste to it. Lined moved very fast and I guess i got lucky because the guy who took my order was super nice! Overall, it's not perfect but good enough to be a regular spot for a bagel craving.
(3)Paul W.
I live right behind this place so I come here often. This is a dependable place to get fresh bagels made from scratch, but I personally think the prices are WAY too expensive. I actually give them 3.5 stars, because they're food is fresh, reliable, and good. However, nothing really stands out as incredible.
(3)AgentxAngel X.
Meh. The bagels left me very underwhelmed.
(3)Alena C.
Delicious, authentic bagels with yummy cream cheese and awesome sandwiches. My boyfriend and I are obsessed with this place - we come here pretty much every weekend, along with all the other yuppie Arlington couples. Don't let the lines deter you, they do move very quickly (other Yelpers who likened this to the Soup Nazi are right on). We never have a problem finding seating, and we particularly like sitting by the window where we can view rows upon rows of bagels on conveyor belts -- it's strangely hypnotic. My favorite bagel sandwich here is the one with hummus and sprouts. It leaves me stuffed and ready to hit the nearby flea market. My only complaint is not taking plastic -- isn't it time to enter the 21st century? I hate paying the ATM fees!
(5)Hannah B.
The best place for NYC bagels! I haven't ventured past the basic egg and sausage on a bagel but they have tons of options. They get a line but they know how to keep it moving...Just remember to bring CASH!
(4)Michael B.
Maybe it was the high expectations. Or maybe it was the mediocre bagel. Nevertheless, I ate a tuna melt. And left rather unsatisfied. I think the bagel was too doughy. I think that is it. Since its SO CLOSE to my apt., I am EXTREMELY disappointed.
(2)Vicki M.
The bagels here are excellent, as are the toppings. My particular favorite sandwich is the lox and cream cheese, with red onions, tomatoes, and capers on an "everything" bagel. The breakfast sandwiches are also tasty and fresh, and use real eggs. The only downside is the pretentious yuppie crowd, 90% of which work in the "consulting" industry . Also, the coffee is only so-so (and they are always out of milk/half and half), but the food more than makes up for it.
(5)S S.
First, the food: Meh-. It's just not that good, nor is it memorable. Well, I guess I will remember the awful fruit cup that had 2 grapes, one piece of pineapple and a whole bunch of flavorless honeydew melon. Second, the service: Somewhere between surly and standoffish. Third, the payment method: Cash only is pretty lame, especially when there's no sign posted saying that it's cash only. But hey, they do provide an ATM right by the register so you can, you know, pay an extra $1.50 for your food because you assumed they'd be technologically up to date for 1995. Fourth, the drinks: $0.50 for soda refills? That's tackier than...well....something that's really tacky. It's actually hard for me to think of something tackier that a fast food restaurant could do.
(1)Lucas K.
I just don't understand the draw of this place. It's always packed and I can't figure out why. The staff is always extremely rude (think: Soup Nazi-like). Don't even dare trying to engage any of the people behind the counter in conversation. They never have what I want to order and post things on their menu just to tell you that they don't offer them on weekends!? Very little seating in or out. Seems like many people on the weekends just go sit at California Tortilla's tables. I will give them credit for making their bagels on-site, but I find them small and again, lacking in selection. CASH ONLY: C'mon get with the times.
(2)Amanda C.
Soft and doughy, just the way I like them! A very reasonably-priced place to get a toasted bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and fresh-squeezed OJ. We love going here on Saturday mornings and then walking over to the Courthouse Farmers Market.
(5)Travis P.
Best Bagels in DC area!
(5)Brian J.
love the bagels. hate the bagel nazis. i don't mind the crowds. the bagels are delicious, so it's worth the wait...right? maybe not. i get it. you have to keep the line moving, especially during peak hours. but all the yelling, screaming, glaring, talking trash, and just general shit attitudes all the employees have are really unnecessary... there are a million better ways to keep the line moving than their bagel nazi style. and don't tell me you buy into their "brooklyn" attitude nonsense - they're not that smart, and they're definitely not new yorkers. these guys and their attitudes have more in common with the dump i took this morning than they do a proper brooklyn bagel joint. i'd rather go somewhere with bagels slightly less good than deal with these dickbags anymore. the entire experience takes away from the seemingly simple task of just enjoying your bagel.
(1)Colin L.
Ok, I got lucky on parking and pulled right up to the place. It's not easy to spot the first time you drive by. I'm from Texas, but the NY coffee shop there makes the bagels that I love the most. My dad is from Brooklyn and he goes there everyday. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes bagels in the same style, which I believe is the best tasting. This place takes NY bagels and gives them new lives. Bagels become sandwiches, and tuna melts become delicacies. Never have I ever had a better Tuna Gouda melt. I also had the Coney Island, which was awesome. The chicken was big and juicy, and the peppers and onions were many and spicy. Recommend this to your friends who aren't bagel lovers. But why would you go there if you don't love bagels? Well, it's a good restaurant anyways. Back to the basics, they do Bagels justice. I'm going to show up to work on my first day with a bag full of bagels.
(5)Ryan S.
When I'm walking by there in the morning on an empty stomach, I can't help but be drawn to it. Freakin' great breakfast bagel sandwiches. My staple is the bacon-egg-cheese on everything bagel. Coffee isn't great, but good enough. Tip: Often their coffee is too hot, but adding just 2-4 ice cubes from the soda fountain will make it cool enough to drink (but still quite hot). There are several reasons I can think of to dock it a star. Staff is typically gruff. I've seen exceptions (yesterday the cashier was unprecedentedly friendly to an old woman who was taking forever to find her wallet in her purse). Much of the gruffness is due in large part to keep the line moving (nearly always a line, which moves quickly, during peak hours). One more tip: If you want the full selection of bagels, don't come late. They WILL run out of lots of bagels.
(5)Matt D.
They have the best bagels I have ever tasted, hands down. They bake their bagels fresh every day, so its pratically impossible to get a stale bagel from this place. All of their bagels are jumbo size, no mini bagels here. There are non-stop long lines on the weekends. It doesn't really matter if you show up at 10 in the morning or 1 in the afternoon. Don't be discouraged about the long lines, they move quickly. The guys that run the place are all business. I was a little annoyed that they don't take credit cards, but its a minor issue.
(4)Rachel E.
**CASH ONLY** There is an ATM in the bakery. My egg and cheese on sesame bagel was very good, nicely toasted with some veggies on it. I'm picky with chai, but Brooklyn's vanilla chai was rich and yummy. There's also a chocolate chai that I want to try next time. Parking can be tricky, but there is a small lot in the back. I was there on Sunday and didn't have problems finding a spot, but it was very busy.
(4)Meaghin K.
I go here about once a month for a weekend bagel: one of their delicious cream cheeses on blueberry or chocolate chip. My favorite bagel though is by far the chicken salad on multigrain or whole wheat. Add a side of chips and a Nantucket Nectar and that's just about a perfect lunch. They are cash only and you need to have your order ready ahead of time--they like to move you through!!
(4)David D.
Completely GREASY bagel egg sandwich. DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!! AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!! The quality is a near equivalent to McDonalds egg bagel... if you want the grease, save the money and go to McD.
(1)Justin E.
This place is great for breakfast or lunch. They only accept case though.
(4)Dian C.
I went early one morning to pick up a bunch of bagels to bring into work. I knew they were good when a coworker commented, "Now those are the real deal." I went at 7am so there was no line. The bagels are probably slightly more expensive than elsewhere, but in my opinion totally worth it.
(4)Jon B.
Went for the first time last week after reading the reviews. Interestingly I used to live between Rosslyn and Courthouse, but never stopped in to get the food. I had a bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and tomato. The service was pretty good (it was empty at the time..11 am on a Wednesday), and the sandwich was good.) I should note that it did not seem as greasy as a lot of breakfast sandwiches tend to be. I also had an iced coffee which I thought had good flavor. The bagel itself seemed to be a very good flavor and taste. Was very plump and properly cooked as it is supposed to be. I plan on coming back to get some more bagels to go (I am a pumpernickel fan to the max and also want to try their "everything") as well as making it a normal stop when people are in from out of town that love good eats. I think it is locally owned and operated and not a chain which to me makes it even better to support it. Local places that serve bad food can go away and die, but how can't you love the little guy who makes big taste?
(4)Valerie K.
Love Brooklyn Bagel.. go here for my monthly bagel craving. Cream cheese/lox bagel is awesome.
(4)Lyndsey T.
As a Jersey native (No, I don't know Snooki or The Situation...) I'm a self-proclaimed bagel snob. So much so that I usually don't even bother eating bagels down here and my only other bagel review on Yelp is my favorite bagel place in NJ. That being said, I have officially given the seal of approval to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. It's obviously not on the same level as NJ/NY bagels, but I thoroughly enjoyed my toasted everything with cream cheese, lox and capers. The bagel itself was just chewy enough and the toppings were generous but not over the top. Can't wait to try an egg & cheese sandwich, though I'm guessing they probably don't have taylor ham. Oh well - I go home every few months for a reason! Service was no-nonsense but I was in and out in under five minutes at noon on a Saturday. Well done, BBB!
(4)Jen K.
Authentic, delicious, and not super over-priced. I am obsessed with their strawberry cream cheese and every flavor of bagel I've tried. These were a win at the office, too.
(5)Zac H.
Homemade fresh bagels, great lox and whitefish salad. I try and get here every weekend if possible!
(4)Jon K.
They make the bagels in front of you. How old am I? They also have a french toast bagel. Enough said. Great spot for a Saturday morning visit but don't plan on sitting down as it's small inside.
(4)Adam F.
Best Bagels in the DC area!!!!!!
(5)Joan G.
Hailing from the south I can't claim to know good bagels, but I would be very surprised if these were not! I love the chewy texture under the crunchy surface. The cream cheese is so much better than store bought and the price is excellent. The staff is polite. If you think they are rude you are taking too long. Part of Brooklyn bagel's positives is that you get in and get out very quickly with exactly what you wanted. If you are irritated about the cash only thing, get over it. Credit cats agreements are expensive for small places. There is a bank across the street and an ATM in the store. Just bring cash. Lastly, in my opinion, the crowning glory. The whitefish salad. I've spent the last 3 years of my life tracking down good whitefish salad since my first exposure to it. This is the best I've had in the area. Not too moist, perfectly salty, and lots if it!!
(5)Wendy W.
My family and I have come at least 1-2 times a year and it has yet to disappoint. The BAGELS are AMAZING. I personal feel there's just enough chewiness, although it may be more chewy than a New York bagel. The price point is very reasonable, especially for their breakfast bagel sandwich. Yesterday I got a spinach bagel with egg, cheese and salami. Honestly I could have had two more with the bagels being that fresh. My preschoolers love the bagels and my in-laws who are French love it too, which says alot. My goal is to try different offerings to get a better sense of the overall quality, but at the same time why as bagels are the no-brainer choice I really enjoy watching the bagels being made through the windowed production facility. Staff has been always friendly and efficient, although this time, not sure if there were some new associates in the mix, but my gentleman literally had to ask me four times what breakfast bagel sandwich (and I only gave two orders). Then I wonder, maybe I didn't speak clearly enough, so as C.P.S. stated,"Pick out what you want, speak [VERY] clearly [and not too fast]..." They are opening another location in Rosslyn. I don't know when.
(5)Kelly S.
Through five years of dc area breakfast evaluations, I now rule that BBB has the best bagels in the area. Why do I have to go to Courthouse to get the best bagel? This is wrong. Kinda stinks that they're cash only, but not worth jacking one of their stars. Bagel rankings: 1)BBB, 2)So's Your Mom, 3)Bagels & Baguettes, #57,682)Bagels Etc RIGHT NEXT TO MY APARTMENT sigh-
(5)Jim Z.
It's been a few years since I came back this morning and either the food quality has gone down or my taste buds are more refined. The everything bagel lacks any flavor and a crisp crunch that a good bagel has when you bite into it. I'm fairly certain the fresh squeezed OJ is really just tropicana in a cup. I'd suggest going elsewhere for a breakfast but I'm not sure where else to go. Don't expect a lot coming here though
(2)nathan g.
i've just read the last 47 reviews, and it seems nobody's looking at anyone else's write-up. so, do i understand that credit cards are welcomed here? is that right?
(3)Arlene T.
Absolutely the BEST bagels in NOVA!!! Great selection, and very efficient staff.
(5)Sarah K.
Kenny D and I stopped here early on a Saturday morning before a volunteering gig. I had never been here before but I figured, how can you mess up a bagel? Well, I think i will go to Dunkin Donuts next time b/c I was not impressed. The staff were unfriendly, the coffee was gross and the bagels were hard with a stingy amount of cream cheese. The bill was over $11 for the two of us and we both had only bagels and coffee. There have to be places in the area that do bagels better than this...
(2)C.P. S.
Best Breakfast Bagel in this city. Egg, Cheese, onion or meat... its fantastic and is about the only thing that will cure a night out in Adams Morgan. Wash it down with a Vitamin Water or a coffee. The staff will remind you of Seinfeld's soup Nazi. Pick out what you want, speak clearly and direct and slide to the right. Other than that, the place is cool. And who could blame the staff when you have a steady line past noon of hungover coeds who doesn't make decisions like plain or sesame. Bring cash cause they don't take CC and the ATM inside has ridiculous fee considering you only want $5 for breakfast. The sandwiches are hit or miss in the afternoon, but the main attraction is of course bagel sandwiches. Enjoy!
(5)Ross R.
Brooklyn Bagel is a regular Saturday morning stop for us. A simple bagel joint. They have indoor seating for perhaps 20 and outdoor seating for maybe 10. They do the basics of bagels really well. These are the best bagels in DC, better than Bagel City in Rockville or the bagel place on M St.
(4)Mary S.
Excellent bagels! The maple walnut cream cheese is required (for me), sooo good. Don't get the fruit containers, not very good quality.
(5)Genny P.
Been going here for years. Some of the best bagels in the area. Authentic bagels - boiled and chewy - not just baked bread in the shape of a circle. Yes, the place is high volume and the staff is no nonsense - but they are quite friendly and courteous. The food is great. Today was the humus bagel that was delicious. Even when there is a line (and there is always a line - very popular place), you can get in and out in a decent time. The coffee is quality. A true NY experience. Go here every chance we can.
(5)M M.
I haven't been for breakfast, which seems to be the main draw here, but the lunch here features some classic sandwiches. The hot sandwiches are pretty good- I generally get the pastrami or turkey reuben, which is sloppy and on bread that is a wee bit too small, but good. I have to take off major points for their lunch time catering though, the cold sandwiches are invariably soggy breaded blandness. They feature Lavazza coffee and you can buy a good sized bag o' beans, although it's hard to tell how fresh it is. It is a cash only place- they have an ATM, but it is a fee laden affair and not always workin.
(3)Ben C.
Best bagels in DC/NOVA. Super cheap meal. Excellent quality. Busy as all hell. Cash only but there is an ATM on premise. Sandwiches other than bagels are great too. Always have fresh fruit, wide selection of beverages, and tasty coffee. The guys behind the counter work quickly but don't take this the wrong way. If it is quiet when you are there they are super friendly. I could eat 3 meals a day here.
(5)Mariel W.
I have been to Brooklyn Bagel Bakery a number of times. I love the bagels, despite feeling like I'm in the soup-Nazi episode of Seinfeld when I'm ordering/paying for my food (cash only). But I think that air of rudeness is a cute, authentic NY part of coming here. My last time, was when I was sitting in the back of the building, next to the window where you can watch them make bagels (very cool!)...one of the workers was sweeping up and emptied the dust pan rather haphazardly into the trash can sitting DIRECTLY beneath the bagel conveyor belt. I could see the dust/dirt land on the belt (as it was going) and into the dough bagels. Not two minutes later, another worker emptied a dust pan of liquid of some sort in the same messy manner, also getting it onto the belt. Eww gross. I'll admit though, I did finish my bagel (it was good!), figuring that any bad germs probably get fried when the bagels are cooked. I was rather loud when I said, "Eww, he's throwing the dirt out and it's getting onto the bagels." I'm pretty sure the worker heard. Hopefully they've moved the trash can since.
(2)bahareh t.
I am at this very moment eating my first bagel from Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and it is delicious!! I walked over this morning got a dozen bagels (the service was super quick and helpful!) and brought them home and had to have one immediately because they smelled so good. They have a nice selection of bagels, including chocolate chip which I'm very excited to try, and lots of bagel sandwiches that looked delicious on other people's plates. I will return often. You should go too!
(5)Justin L.
I reserved judgment my first time here, and have since been back about three times to make sure it wasn't an off day, but I have to say the bagels themselves are just not anything special at all. I come in the morning, when the bagels should be at their freshest and they are often misshaped, mushy and not particularly fresh. Their bagel breakfast sandwiches are bog standard, nothing to complain about and nothing to praise either. The service is quick and efficient (in true NY style), and they do have a great selection of extras like fruit and muffins. The prices are also significantly lower than their competitors in the area, but this is cancelled out by the fact that they are CASH ONLY which is pretty ridiculous and inconvenient.
(3)Melinda S.
The first 2 times I went to Brooklyn Bagel for "NY Bagels" I thought this place was great - perfect NY bagels But today I was very disappointed ... bagels were way too doughy And very few poppy seeds Plus the line was long - and when I inquired whether I needed to stand in the line for prepared food - I was told yes - and others were getting in front of me to buy their bagels. They were rude and not friendly ... It was also almost $10 for 6 bagels and a small creamcheeze - a bit pricey! I'm not sure I will every go back ... especially since the bagels were not up to par ... Anyone know of any great NY bagels joints - other than The Bagel up in Tysons?
(3)Laura H.
Okay, this isn't H&H, but these are really tasty bagels for Arlington, VA. I particularly like the cinnamon raisin and the salt varieties, but there are a ton of flavor options as long as you get here before noon. Bagels are less dense than the typical chain restaurant variety, i.e. "new york style." One thing I especially like about the store is the bagel and spread only express line... it really cuts down the wait time and since I've come here right after a long run... it also keeps me from getting too cranky. All of the egg sandwiches look delish, so I will be trying one soon... A small patio seating area adds to the charm.
(4)Joye P.
Last weekend I was there before noon and got an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese. It was very good. My only complaint is that the bagels are large and doughey. So you New Yorkers, who prefer the smaller, lighter bagel may be disappointed. However, the goods are fresh and are prepared quickly. The bread was of good flavor. It's a popular place, and one of the better places in the Courthouse area to get a fresh bagel. I recommend.
(4)J W.
Great bagels and even better if you get that bagel sandwich with egg.cheese.meat. Be prepared to know what you want. You feel like you walked in to the Seinfeld episode with the soupnazi. Tip- if you drive, take a friend and park right out front while they man the car. Or take extra time to park and on Saturdays you can also visit the farmer's market across the street.
(5)Taylor G.
My favorite bagel place in my 'hood. I should really try to go more often. Anyhow, great bagels and good coffee. They're pretty quick. The one annoying thing is that they're cash only.
(4)Tsvetomir H.
Bay ridge bagel sandwich is the bomb. They bake all their bagels on the premises which are over 9 kinds. The only inconvenience is that they accept CASH ONLY. So if you have plans to get a breakfast sandwich and coffee there grab a few dollars on your way there.
(4)Ross M.
quick tastey bagel, i'll be going back.
(4)Rachael D.
You know, I heard this place was good, so I went to check it out, but I just really wasn't that impressed. I got an iced soy latte and a bagel with tuna salad on it. Enjoyed the latte, but the bagelwich tasted weird. I threw away half of it uneaten. I later ended up getting pretty sick. Now admittedly, I don't have the strongest of stomachs, but this seemed a bit too coincidental. I'll probably go back for the coffee and the bagels with cream cheese in the future, but I'll avoid their 'home-made' salads in the future.
(2)geeyore g.
Just back from a 7:15AM Sunday morning run to Brooklyn Bagel. It is the best place around DC. I lived in Boston 10+ years and frequented a few great Jewish bagel bakeries in Brookline, Newton Center, Natick, and elsewhere. Not chain store "McBagels" joints (e.g., Chesapeake and even worse Einstein) but Ma and Pa bagel bakeries that offered bagels, maybe bialys, cream cheese, maybe lox, and that's it. Brooklyn Bagel does have a "sandwich" bar and it allegedly is packed but I wouldn't know because in four years I've NEVER used it. not once. And I never will. Nope, I go to Brooklyn Bagel for one thing and that is bagels. That's it. They have the standard variety that you'd find in any decent bagel bakery - onion, poppy seed, sesame, egg - and these are very good bagels - not quite New York or even Boston but they are nonetheless very good and from what I've seen the best in Northern VA or DC or Maryland (including along Rockville Pike). They also have the standard (but again very decent) selection of cream cheeses including scallion, vegetable, garlic, and lox spread. I usually get a 1/4 or 1/2 pound order of lox as well. For those who want bagels and bagels only (plus cream cheese ) there is a speedy "bagels only" line and cash register right inside the front door and next to the fridge. So grab some cash from the ATM lined up on the wall, order your 1/2 or 1 dozen bagels, grab a container of cream cheese, and you are good to go. If you want a sandwich, go to Quiznos. This is a pretty decent bagel joint.
(5)Sheila D.
Definitely the best in the area....you can tell from the line out the door on weekend mornings!
(5)SuperMoi F.
ahh the perfect city bagel shop. people sitting outside all of the restaurants...walking distance to everything arlington...and ummm...my FAVORITE bagel (aside from smoked salmon) is white fish...oooh they are very good. and all the buzz from people sitting and the long line...ahhh what fun is it w/ out all that. best of all by the time i roll out of bed on a sunday morning and make my way there...1:30 2:30...they are still there. and i love the bagel machine thingy on the other side of the glass.
(5)J S.
My wife and I watched while the manager (owner?) who works the front picked two Everything bagels off the filthy floor from under a piece of equipment and threw them into the bin to be taken up front for sale to an unsuspecting customer...disgusting! Maybe he figures no one will notice a few extra mouse droppings on an Everything bagel? I realize you take a chance by eating out, having had friends work in commerical kitchens I've heard the stories, I'm not usually that picky either, as I enjoy camping and don't mind eating a few bugs at times, but this experience was a real turn-off for what could be a great place to eat. I didn't realize the margin was so thin on bagels as to tempt someone in charge to do this stupid and irresponsible thing. Until we witnessed this event, we enjoyed going there for great tasting bagels. We did wonder about sanitary conditions because they store bins of bagels underfoot, beneath the machine that forms the dough into rings. I'm sure raw residue from uncooked dough comes off the that belt running above the bins. We watched while a worker transferred bagels out of the storage bin to a smaller bin to take up front for sale (bare hands that handle raw dough, no gloves). In the process he inadvertedly knocked two bagels out of the back of the bin onto the floor underneath the equipment. There was all manner of grit and grime as to be expected on the floor of a commercial kitchen. This is also an old building with paint flaking off the floors, back underneath the machines where it obviously is not cleaned daily. What was surprising was it was the man who is obviously in charge of the shop, not the employee who did this stupid thing. We then watched as the manager bused tables and picked trash off the floors, used napkins, etc. before going back behind the counter to resume serving food without washing his hands. What a shame, an otherwise great place to get bagels. Just bring your cast iron constitution, you may need it.
(1)Mari V.
I was chowing down on a pretty good bagel with lox that felt like it may have even been worth the effort of getting cash out and waiting in that ridiculous line... Until I found a clump of hair stuck to the second half of my bagel. Commence dry heaving. Not coming back here again.
(2)Herman B.
I didn't realize this place was CASH ONLY until my dad and I got to the register. We took an item off our order (it hadn't been made yet), but still didn't have enough cash. My dad had to go down the street to his bank's ATM. We weren't going to use the ATM they conveniently placed in their store. Thinking this was an oversight on my part, I scanned the restaurant for "Cash Only" signage but didn't see any inside or on the front windows. We will not be returning. Also, the blueberry and chocolate chip bagels were extremely salty.
(1)Ryan K.
Best bagel in DC - don't take credit cards so have the cash ready and I always recommend to try the French toast bagel at least once (even if you're not really a sweets person it's definitely worth a try). Also, get there early - otherwise you'll be waiting with all the hungover 20 something's from the Courthouse / Clarendon area.
(5)Blake S.
Update city... I've been back a few times since my last review and I confess the bagels are probably the best in the DC area. I must have been on my period at the time of my last review. The lox portions still err on the side of small but I've moved on to the bacon egg and cheese which is delicious! The iced coffee is good too and helps with my morning poop. I'll be back soon.
(4)Carl S.
This place is alright. If you're somebody who thinks that food like bagels and pizza are inherently different in New York, then perhaps you'd have a better experience. It's not bad, for what it is. I only have two real complaints: 1. It's cash only (is this a hipster thing these days?) 2. The cashier was not very friendly. She wasn't rude, but clearly did not want to be there.
(2)Audrey R.
The bagels are really good here. The place is nice and clean, and the staff is great.
(5)Ed F.
If one orders a "jalapeno cheddar bagel with cream cheese" isn't it reasonable to expect the bagel will have jalapenos and cheddar somewhere in it? And isn't it also reasonable that there will actually be cream cheese on it sufficient to see without a magnifying glass? If you ask these questions to the staff at this bagel shop, their answer will be: "NO!" the bagels across the street are better and cheaper.
(1)Joseph S.
My favorite breakfast spot near Courthouse when I'm looking for a quick bite. Friendly staff, in house baked bagels. Cash only but they have an ATM.
(5)Kevin K.
Lox, onion, egg on everything was nothing to write home about. Oh and cash only, boo.
(2)Josh S.
Pros: Love their bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Lots of variety with 15+ types of bagels and tons of great toppings. Very fast service and good prices. Really convenient location across from Courthouse Metro. Cons: They are cash-only(insane!). They often run out of my favorite kinds of bagels so get there early as they are made fresh daily.
(4)Chelsea H.
Make sure you bring cash!!! I didn't read all the comments before coming but luckily I had cash on me. The food is amazing! Real, homemade bagels not the bread shaped like a bagel. Fruit salad was very good and fresh. The service was also great we were in and out on a busy Saturday morning. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(5)Sylvie S.
Best bagel joint in NoVA. Stopped by on a beautiful weekend morning to grab some breakfast. I think all of Arlington had the same idea! Line was out the door and it was cray on the inside. Stood in line and snaked around until I could yell my order at one of the guys behind the counter. NY lox on everything bagel, of course. Everything bagel had good flavor and was closest to a NY bagel I've had in DC. Lox definitely hit the spot! Grabbed some of the fresh squeezed OJ as well. Fo sho they squeezed some sweet oranges! FYI: CASH ONLY. There is a Bank of America ATM around the corner and also an ATM in the shop that you can use while in line.
(5)Justin B.
Pretty good bagels. Spreads taste good, but definitely not enough. Try to go a little heavier on the creamcheese/butter or whatever I order on my bagel. Service is quick. It's cash only here. Guys, get a merchant services terminal, this is ridiculous. Your ARM is not convenient. Overall, I'd recommend it, but I would come more often if the bagels had more spread on them and cards were accepted.
(4)Carmen C.
Brooklyn bagel is always a hit or miss for me , I work right up the street from Brooklyn bagel so when I'm not able to Make it to Starbucks , Brooklyn bagel is my next and only option. I recently went there a few months ago and purchased a bagel and fruits on the side. Bringing my meal back with me to my job , I'm sitting with my co worker and I offer her some of my fruit from Brooklyn bagel, while eating the fruit I look over to her and she has this disgusted look on her face, she shows me all the mold all over the fruit !!!!!! So I ran back to Brooklyn bagel with my moldy fruit , and when I walk in I tell one of the workers ( most of them are all family related) and he snatches it from me once I say the word mold and storms to the cashier to give me back my money so I can hurry up and leave and so none of the customers can hear me . I still come there every now and then because my fiancé loves there bagels but one thing I do have to give is stay away from there fruit , salads , fruit smoothies etc, and they also speak the same language as my fiancé ( Arabic) so he's told numerous of times that they talk bad about everyone once they place there order, even him ! Not even knowing he's Arabic ! Overall they just need to work on a lot , upgrading your system so they can take credit cards (come on its almost 2016 who still only takes cash?) and just taking there time and really listen to the customers.
(1)Ian M.
This place is a community fixture, if you go on a weekend morning, you can expect long quick moving lines, limited seating and the fast pace feel of a busy NY style deli. I got the bagel sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon on sundried tomato bagel, Aubs got tomato and cream cheese on a whole wheat bagel. The egg was a generous size, the cheese was a kraft single equivalent and the bacon was plentiful enough that it appeared in every bite. I've gotten this before and I would get it again. Aubs enjoyed her sandwich as well, the portions were adequate, the bagel was not as soft as she would have liked. Bottom line, this place delivered and met our exceptions, no wow factor but a good experience none the less.
(4)Rach A.
This bagel place is pretty great! I got the multi-grain bagel with lox, onions, and capers--it was delicious! The lox tasted fresh and there was a sufficient amount of cream cheese. My only complaint is that they only put the cream cheese on one side of the bagel, so you cannot split it up to eat it and you have to eat it as a sandwich. Unfortunately, they ran out of the whole wheat bagels, given that I went on a Sunday afternoon that is understandable, but be forewarned! I also tried their mocha which was pretty good and did not have a ridiculous amount of sugar like a few other bakeries. Warning, CASH ONLY! This was another reason I did not give the bakery five stars--- who carries cash nowadays?
(4)Pegah Y.
Meh, not impressed. My fiancé and I visited Brooklyn Bagel Co after several hours of walking around the Courthouse neighborhood on an extremely hot day. We were excited to finally go inside into an air conditioned place and get water and a snack. I ordered the strawberry smoothie and was disappointed - the smoothie was wayyyy too sweet and watery. Such a strange flavor and consistency... my fiancé also got a drink and wasn't very impressed either. The service was not friendly - they barely acknowledged us and didn't smile or even attempt to make any conversation. It was very awkward. I was excited to visit because of all the great Yelp reviews this place received, but my experience definitely fell short of expectations.
(2)Allison W.
This has become our staple in Courthouse after a night out. Always crowded, never a long wait, and the bagels are on point. I always go for the jalapeno-cheddar since it wakes me up :) Take advantage of your wait in line to figure out your order since they definitely keep the line moving. Only gripes: cash only, and I could do without the cashier lady rolling her eyes when I order coffee with my bagel (Maybe someone else should help her out?). Small price to pay for a consistently great breakfast.
(5)Kristina V.
Sooo, coming from NJ/NY I was on the search for a bagel (a real bagel). I know that I've been spoiled coming from where I came from (I mean there's nothing like a bagel in NY). I came here with my boyfriend and his friend this past weekend and we each got everything bagels (not planned). I got egg and tomato on mine and they both got bacon egg and cheese. The bagel was perfect! It was crispy (the shell) but soft at the same time. So very tasty. SO tasty that I inhaled mine without taking any photos like I meant to do! We sat in the back and got a show at the same time. You see them making the bagels and the whole process that goes along with it - I think that part is a nice touch of Brooklyn. It's cash only (which I knew but then forgot of course). There's a bank across the street in case you forget too. Enjoy!
(5)M W.
My biggest advice: bring cash!!! It is amazing how many times I have walked in here over the past two months and forgot. They have an ATM but there is no need to get charged taking money out when there are many banks nearby (though I do it, every. single. time...) I typically order a bagel with eggs and cheese, and it comes out hot and delicious. On weekends, it can be annoying with the lines of hungover people from Clarendon (and very little seating) -- but overall, not many negatives. The people taking the order are no BS and move quickly, which I appreciate. And one of the cashiers -- I need to learn her name -- always has a smile and is fantastic, which goes a long way. Try it.
(4)Benslie B.
Bagels are good (not incredible) and the line moves quickly, but they are verrry frugal with their cream cheese. Suggest getting two bagels and a to-go container of cream cheese. And they only take cash!! So remember to bring that.
(3)Bella J.
Let's get to the point: Bagels are on the large size, not the best, but better than the ones we can get in NC (took a dozen home to freeze) and judging by the crowd, best ones in their town too. The poppy and sesame bagels are dressed as you would think, but their version of the everything lacks quantity of 'everything' and I noted a few sunflower seeds. Maybe I'm a NYC version traditionalist. I did not get, but noted they freshly fry their eggs to order. I should have had a BEC instead of my BLT. On a side note, it's a very busy place on a Sunday and hard to get in/out or get to the drink station due to the narrow shape the place and hungry people in line. But I judge a place more on the food, so if you are nearby, enjoy.
(3)Melanie V.
Sadly I can't eat here as I am GF but walking in made me reminisce about NY shops. Bought bagels and lox for a very discerning group and they LOVED it! Will definitely go back here, again, when I need to grab some bagels on the weekend.
(4)Kate N.
Brooklyn Bagel might benefit from the relative lack of competition, but it is a solid bagel. The sandwiches are great because they use real ingredients--eggs that are actually eggs, thick bacon, good cream cheese. My favorite is a BLT on sesame. They don't skimp on the bacon, but this is the only place I've ever been where I think they go too light on the mayo. What I really love about this place is that they're fast and efficient. You can be in and out in 10 minutes. I just wish it was closer to where I lived.
(4)Kelsey L.
Best breakfast sandwich in the DC area and wonderful bagels. Service is great... You feel like you're in New York City. The guys are loud, productive and friendly. I recommend if you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast off the beaten path..
(5)Cassandra P.
Such a lack of quality bagel places in the area. This one is great! Not much seating, but most people are in and out quickly.
(4)Hakuna M.
Perfect lox bagels, great balance of lox, capers and cream cheese.
(4)Jackie C.
Amazing!!!! The perfect spot for breakfast after a long night of drinking that's for sure. I was going to Cosi but saw a line out the door so I had to check it out and boy was I glad I did! Bacon, egg and cheese on a multigrain bagel was to die for. And their selection on bagels was very dense. This place has something for everyone!
(5)K S.
Major decline in overall food quality, and they will no longer toast your bagel - at 7:45 AM on a Friday I got a cold cinnamon raisin bagel with an uneven smear of cream cheese. Not worth trying to find parking and making sure you have cash. Still on the hunt for a decent bagel in Northern VA now that both Capital Bagels closed...
(2)Jam C.
I never really understood the obsession with bagels (other then Panera Bread Chocolate Chip bagel but that doesn't really count because it's basically dessert =p). Then I walked into this place and I can't stop thinking about bagels! The crispy outside was perfect and the inside was soft & chewy. I never knew bagels can be this amazing and perfect. I highly recommend the Jalapeno Cheddar one, a kick in every single bite! The French Toast is also pretty good and not too sweet. Thanks Brooklyn Bagel, you have enlightened me! :) There's a separate and shorter line by the door if you're just picking up bagels/cream cheese and not ordering a sandwich. I've grabbed a dozen bagels here for work a few times and service was pretty quick. Too bad they close at 5 PM because there have been a few times when I really really wanted to eat one of their bagel sandwiches for dinner.... Don't forget to bring some cash, they don't take credit cards but they do have a generic ATM machine on site if you don't mind paying a small fee.
(5)A C.
The only possible way that anyone can think that these are actual bagels, much less good bagels, is if they have never had an actual bagel. Anyone who has - even once - would immediately know how absolutely, positively horrible these "bagels" are. Every single thing about them - crust, interior, crumb, texture, flavor, mouth feel, ingredients - is wrong. Not a little bit. Absolutely. Wrong. Imagine the worst supermarket you've ever been in. The kind that doesn't care about the way they handle frozen foods. Freezer burns, frost on packaging, erratic temperatures - you name it. Go there. Buy a sleeve of Lender's Frozen Bagels - which I previously considered the Worst Bagels in the World - and you'll get a better bagel than you can get at Brooklyn Bagel Bakery. The only thing worse than their bagels is their inability to prepare the bagels. It doesn't matter what you ask for, they'll do it the way they want. And they don't give a damn. Which brings me to the only thing worse than their inability to properly prepare a bagel: their "customer service." It's rude, insulting, dismissive. It's not quaint. It's not charming. This place has as much to do with Brooklyn as the owners do with quality: nothing.
(1)Patrick C.
I like Brooklyn Bagel Bakery for bagels and a quick breakfast sandwich. I am from New York (Manhattan's UES), and chuckle when I read reviews that purport to compare to a "NY bagel" and judge another bagel as inferior when the concept is nebulous at best. NYC has good and bad bagels, just like the DC region; however, there are fewer good/great options in DC. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery makes a New York style bagel, and I find the taste and texture to be good, overall. As to price, I find Brooklyn Bagel to be reasonable for bagels, sandwiches, and cream cheese. Remember, this is North Arlington, not exactly an inexpensive locale in which to operate a business, but compared to the competition, I tend to find a better value at Brooklyn Bagel, especially considering that the bagels are made without preservatives. I believe that the cream cheese is also made fresh in the store, and while I don't eat it, people for whom I purchase it tend to enjoy it very much. I have not sampled anything outside of bagels, sandwiches, and accompaniments, so I cannot comment on the pizza, but they do have a good variety of pizza by the slice, and I know people who do enjoy their slices from Brooklyn Bagel. The customer service is not lacking. This is a busy bagel bakery where the staff is used to turning out orders quickly in order to move the line, lest people complain about long lines. Efficiency of communication does not mean that someone is rude, but that is a New York thing, I guess, and some from other regions don't understand. Even when busy, I have never noticed anything that I would describe as rude, and I would prefer that the staff focus on the order as opposed to idle chit-chat that slows the line. The cash only policy is not unique to this establishment, and I like my credit card perks and points as much as the next guy, but I see no problem with it. If someone reads a review here, then they know that they need to bring cash, so they should not be surprised, or outraged that they have to use the in-store ATM. There are also banks in the vicinity, so no shortage of access to cash. Bagels are like pizza, we all have preferences and what may be superior to one is mediocre to another. Personally, I cannot stand bagels that are not fresh from a local baker, and have even found some supermarkets who have talented bagel bakers can turn out a good product. I do prefer local bakeries and will continue to patronize Brooklyn Bagel Bakery.
(4)Steve M.
NO CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED Good breakfast bagels, which will cost you $4.75 each. Yeah that's pretty steep but it gets even more expensive if you forget to pick up cash first. It'll cost you an extra $1.75 + bank fees to withdraw cash from their in-store ATM. They don't have a credit card machine and they won't even splash out for an iPad with Square. $6.50 for a decent bagel. Your call.
(2)Nora T.
Excellent service, great bagels and sandwiches with lots of shmear options. Yumm!
(5)Emma M.
The bagels might be good but there is no excuse to be cash only in today's world. My biggest pet peeve. Will never be back until they accept credit cards. The signage needs to be better to inform people since I had already ordered before I noticed.
(1)Dawn L.
Have been going there since I moved to VA and just love the neighborhood hangout. Growing up in New Jersey I really missed good bagels, whitefish, etc. but was so psyched to be able to order lox, onion and eggs on a Sunday am The guys are so friendly and know all of the regulars, their kids and even their parents when they're in town visiting. I'm told several staff members have been with them for over 15 yrs-wow!! Best keep secrets are real NY pizza -only on the week days-(try the white) and the take home salads, lox and cold cuts they you can order by the pound. The food is consistently yummy and always too much. I read the review about too little cream cheese but I always need to tell them to give me a little less! Totally recommend!!!
(5)Richard Y.
We ordered a poppy bagel and an everything bagel with cream cheese. Having been to a lot of bagel shops in the NYC and Brooklyn area, I was not too impressed. The bagels can use more coating. The everything bagel was more like a semi-everything bagel. This is the only place I know of in the Arlington/DC area that serves bagels and cream cheese. With my frequent bagel cravings, I do not know where else to go. A subpar bagel is still a bagel. For this reason and its cash only payment rule, I have to give this place a 3-star.
(3)Annie L.
Perfect breakfast stop on the way to the office. Efficient, reasonably priced. But make sure you have cash, no cards accepted. Happy to learn they'll do orders in a separate pan to avoid tasting like bacon from the main grill. They'll also scoop out for a healthier alternative.
(3)Brian B.
Coming from the North East, I'd like to think that I know what a good bagel is, and Brooklyn Bagel Bakery, true to its name, delivers. It is always busy on the mornings and the line moves fast and efficiently. The food is great and so is the service. Of importance though, bring cash! While they have an ATM on site, avoid the fee and prepare accordingly. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Arpita B.
I don't really think this place provides anything over & above what's available at any other bagel shop... So I don't really get what the hype is all about. Yes, they do have any extensive variety of bagels & cream cheeses but they aren't anything to fawn all over. It's not bad,but not anything impressive. Of all the bagels I personally like the jalepeno cheese bagel. They do have a few breakfast sandwich options. I have only tried the sausage-egg white & cheese which is again... Pretty Standard. The downsides are the fact that (1) it's a cash only joint...PAINFUL & (2) parking can be difficult as it is located on a busy street. Other than that.... I'd say it's a decent option if you are tired of the Dunkin donuts, the Panera breads or other such chains.
(3)Rashna S.
Best best bagels in Arlington! I got the jalapeño cheddar egg and cheese and it was fantastic. No want to come back and try the sun dried tomato bagel :)
(5)Sherri D.
I think we found the holy grail for breakfast bagels and LEGIT coffee/sandwiches! Came here around lunchtime on Sunday and the place was pretty busy. After reading reviews, boyfriend and I decided to try this place out since we wanted to try something different for a change. The staff is really friendly, nice, efficient, and takes your order promptly. He got the bacon, egg, cheese bagel and I got the Rockaway Reuben. First off, both orders were delicious and they were ready within 5 minutes and while waiting, I perused the rest of the inside and --They had tons of choices for bagels, mixed fruits, house creamcheese spreads in the fridges up front, and various choices for beverages. The price was reasonable for the quality and portion that you get, but most of all -- it hit the spot and everything was good! Boyfriend liked their coffee and for me, I got the iced mocha which was delicious. No additional sugar needed and it genuinely tasted like mocha coffee. It was perfect. I'm normally picky or want some sort of flavorful creamer to give it a kick, but it was delicious and not sickeningly sweet. We will definitely be back and try other items!
(5)Megan T.
I've always loved this place but they just messed up my order for the third time in two weeks. I'm pretty disappointed. Providing sometimes subpar quality just to get people in and out faster doesn't seem like a smart business strategy to me, but what do I know?
(1)April R.
I really like their breakfast bagel sandwiches! It's so good and it's huge! Only downside is that they only take cash (they do have an ATM inside the store) and the female cashier wasn't rude but she was def not friendly and did not want to be there. She's like that every time I go in there. She needs to smile a little more! Everyone there is so friendly!
(4)Emily D.
This place is great. It's pretty much got everything you could want, pizza by the slice, French fries, salads, bagel sandwiches for breakfast and lunch and so much more! The coffee is great. This is a regular breakfast spot for me. Only downside is they're cash only. They've got an ATM inside though!
(4)Donald M.
First time in here, had no idea it was cash only. Didn't see any signs anywhere. Ordered breakfast for two and when they told me it was cash only they pointed me to the conveniently placed ATM right at the register. Sucking it up, I was prepared to pay the 8$ convenience charge for my 8$ of food, but the ATM was out of order. So I asked them what to do, and low and behold they pull out a credit card machine and give me a nasty look. Needless to say I will never come back here again, and I can make better lox at home.
(1)Mark H.
I absolutely love this place. Best bagels in Arlington. They are made fresh on site every morning. It's busy on weekdays and completely packed on weekends but the wait is never too bad. They have a nice, small patio - if you're lucky enough to find a seat out there. I rarely get anything besides bagels and cream cheese, but the egg sandwiches are also decent. My only criticism is the coffee. It's not great quality and it's self-serve*, so you may buy a coffee only to find out that they've run out, and wait 10 minutes to get more coffee brewed. I've gotten in the habit of taking my bagel to go and brewing my own coffee at home or work. If they upgraded the coffee and replenished the empty thermos more frequently, this would be 5 stars. *No free refills, however, negating any possible advantage to the consumer for pouring your own coffee.
(4)Jaclyn H.
This place is good when it comes to food but absolutely horrendous when it comes to service. The service is fast which is great but during slower times, the people are so rude. The girl that works at the register is worst of all. She makes faces and refuses to do anything but sit behind the register with a sour look. So good food, bad customer service!!!
(3)Stacy L.
We found our new bagel place!! Bagels are fantastic. Warm and soft and very tasty. We got everything, sesame and plain. Lox and cream cheese. All delicious. The place was packed this morning but the line moved very fast. Staff was so busy but they really did a great job of getting people in and out. Make sure you bring cash because they don't accept credit cards; however, they do have an atm in the restaurant. There are tables to use inside and outside. Parking was difficult to find though.
(5)Andrew M.
So the bagels themselves are good. That is if you can get the ones you want. I've gone four times in the last four weekends and every time they were out of Garlic and Asiago bagels (this was at noon and they don't make more). I don't understand why you wouldn't plan to make more of the bagels people like and less of those they don't from a supply perspective. The head guy seems a bit impatient (probably because they are busy) especially if you have to ask if they have a certain bagel (despite the fact that all the labels remain on the bagel shelf making it impossible for you to tell if they have it in stock or not.) It almost seems like a factory they want to get you in and out as fast as possible. Lastly, they are cash only which is a pain, they need to get a square reader or something to make it convenient for their customers because it is 2014 not 1990.
(3)Brenda L.
Used to work around this place and LOVED coming here for their bagel breakfast sandwiches. This place has the BEST bagels in the DMV!
(4)Yuchen Z.
It's a popular breakfast/brunch spot in the area. They have an assortment of bagels and sandwich combinations. They make their bagels on site which is really cool. Small seating area in the back/side. Gets really packed during the weekends but generally not too bad. 2 registers-one for lunch sandwiches and one for more quick on the go stuff like bagels and coffee. They have lunch special sandwich combos-sandwich + chips + drinks = $7.99 They also have breakfast bagels of all kinds and lunch sandwiches with all types of meat/cheese/veggie/bread combos. I like their Russian dressing and coleslaw sandwiches. However, the sandwiches are not particularly great or anything. They are kind of dry and slightly bland. It's just "OK." Maybe their breakfast sandwiches are better. It's a fine place to go for a quick bite to eat for lunch or breakfast through. 2 tables of outdoor seating avaible. Busy place.
(3)Danielle P.
Love this place. Bagels are phenomenal, better than anything else I've had in the DC area. The breakfast sandwiches are huge and filling. My husband and I go here often, definitely give it a try. It's CASH ONLY. So plan ahead. Getting half or a dozen bagels with tubs of cream cheese is the most cost effective thing to do here. Can't beat the price on those for the quality!
(5)Fallon S.
Great breakfast spot!!! - Fast & friendly service - Fresh squeezed orange juice - NY LOX is absolutely amazing I will be back
(5)Christine M.
Brooklyn Bagel has the best bagels in the area. I highly recommend the everything bagel which is coated on both sides heavily unlike traditional bagels. It is cash only so be sure to bring it!
(4)Marie M.
This used to be my favorite and #1 bagel shop. Until recently, it is not anymore. The past few times I have gone I have been so disappointed. The bagels are not as fresh anymore and they do not even toast them. The bagels in recent visits, have been hard/ stale, barely any cream cheese, and not even toasted/ warmed up. The line is long, but it does go by quickly. The tea is always out and I ask them to refill and no one does. They need to slow down and listen to peoples order to ensure they are accurate.
(3)Maria P.
EXTREMELY RUDE SERVICE-- we placed a large order for 10 dozen bagels weeks in advance. Upon this morning, not only were the bagels not ready, the manager (Mo) said he thought the order had been cancelled and it was our fault it was taking extra time to get the bagels together. He yelled at us in front of 20+ customers and said if we stopped talking to him he would be able to get everything together quicker. I have NEVER been treated like that in a restaurant and am appalled he thought that behavior was appropriate customer service. I will NEVER step foot in this restaurant again.
(1)Bader J.
The bagels are pretty good , I had egg & cheese , you might want to ask them for extra cheese. They are a little frugal with the cheese. Also make sure to bring cash because they only accept cash.
(3)Matt H.
This is the best spot in Arlington to get a NY bagel. I ordered a bacon egg and cheese on wheat bagel with coffee. The only better bagel I've had is Towson hot bagel in baltimore. This place can get crowded around the breakfast rush, but man is it worth it. Remember cash only! But they do have an atm on site. They also have some small areas for seating if you want to eat in, and they offer little street parking out front.
(4)Andrew O.
The best bagel spot in the DC metro area. Period. I'm from New Jersey, I go to New York often. I know a good bagel. Bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything - perfect every time. Less than $5 for a solid breakfast. But skip the coffee, it's terrible. Cash only, ATM inside. OK, so it can be a bit of a "soup Nazi" experience. You better know your order when it's your turn. You better not be on your phone. If you want a quiet, relaxing line or eat-in experience, don't come here during peak hours on the weekend. If you want a great bagel and don't give a sh*t, come here. But really, avoid the coffee.
(5)Ahmad K.
Yummy bagels, not so great service. Make sure you bring cash because they take only cash, and parking nearby is a challenge. If you come during non-busy hours you will get more attention.
(4)Jiani Z.
Always long lines during the weekend, yet they are so good that people keep coming. Bagels are delicious! Abs addicted to them now. The only reason it didn't a five star is that it's cash only.
(4)Alyssa H.
Living in NY for almost 3 years now, I woke up in DC cravinggggg one of my beloved doughy, perfect bagels. After a quick yelp search, we arrived here and I am pleasantly surprised! The bagels were big and pretty on par with those that I love! I would absolutely recommend this place for bagels for anyone in the area. Minus two stars: 1. No hot coffee...you're a breakfast joint... 2. Smoked salmon...it was dry and overall did not seem fresh. Avoid this and you should be good. Oh! And they only take CASH!
(3)Phoenix Simone W.
I have mixed feelings about this place. On one hand, as a New Yorker, it's damn near impossible to recreate a NY bagel. Specifically as a NY Jew, bagels and lox are pretty much a staple food, and I really wasn't that impressed with the nova bagel. The ingredients didn't taste 100% fresh, and the lox didn't taste quite right. On the other hand, this is better than all other bagel places I've had in the area. I once got some everything bagels without anything on them, and they were pretty good--the perfect ratio of soft to hard dough. In the end, does it compare to a NY bagel place? Nope. But it does beat out the rest of the bagel places in the area.
(3)Zane U.
Went here two days in a row due to a ridiculous bagel craving. Day 1: I had an everything bagel with bacon, egg and cheese while my girlfriend went with an everything bagel, toasted with butter. Ordered a coffee and a soy latte as well. The bagels themselves were great, but neither of them seemed to have been toasted. The bacon also appeared to have come from the ridiculous pile of bacon on the griddle and didn't come out very hot. Both of the coffees were great. Overall this experience was ok due to the untoasted bagel and cold bacon. Service was quick though. Day 2: Same great coffee drinks, same great quality of bagels - this time toasted. I went with a ham, egg white and cheese on everything. This time the sandwich came out piping hot. My girlfriend went with an everything bagel with cream cheese. Bagels were outstanding, as before, but the toasted bagels and warm ham/egg set these over the top. Coffee was just as great as day 1 and the service was quick even though the place was packed. Overall this was a great experience. We will be back!
(4)Elizabeth R.
The BEST bagels in Courthouse! My go to is the Sausage/Egg/Cheese on an EVERYTHING bagel. :)
(4)Niurka M.
These peple are the best. They go from making there own delicious bagels to having the most friendly crew, and huge choice of sandwiches. And let me not start talking about there awesome pizza. Love this place.
(5)Naman J.
Sunflower seed bagel? Sundried Tomato bagel? Is your mouth watering yet? If you want to try these exotic flavors, Brooklyn Bagel Bakery is the place to be at. Very well located near the Court House Metro Station, this establishment has tons of delicious bagel flavors and very well priced. Service is quick and nice, and the bagels filled me up even though I did not get any topping. In a nutshell, this place is a gem that is not too expensive.
(5)Mary M.
There is not one person in this bagel shop that is from Brooklyn. I ordered an egg and cheese on an onion bagel and received a egg and cheese on an everything bagel. The sandwich was cold and the bagel was doughy and not toasted as I asked. The servers and cashier were not friendly and I saw them mix up two peoples orders. I will not be going back. Its worth the trip to Ballston to go to Manhattan Bagel, which is much much better.
(1)Maddie E.
I recommended this place to everyone. I grew up going to this place since I was in Elementary school and the guys there have literally watched my siblings and I grow up. (I'm 22, btw) I don't live in Arlington anymore and I drive 2 hours just to get a bagel, that's how good they are. They're bagels are amazing and fresh and they can not be compared to DD or Panera. This place is home, you won't regret going there.
(5)Mike R.
Love it for a delicious NY bagel with chive or veggi cream cheese. It's cash only which is annoying and nearly impossible to find a place it sit on the weekends but it's very good. This is the only place I go to get my bagel fix in the Courthouse area.
(4)Joanna M.
As a NYC bred girl, I KNOW a good bagel and can argue that NY's shittiest bagel still rivals any glorified bagel elsewhere. As a NYC transplant, I know this and expect to lower my expectation but come on people! Einsteins, Breuggers, for the love of god people, these are NOT real bagels and I have no pity for you because I'm afraid you just don't know any better. There, there, don't you worry child. Lets get something straight Brooklyn Bagels, you are the closest place in the DMV area that I have found to have relatively decent bagels. Granted, if this place was making bagels in NYC, it would be like one star tastewise, texturewise, etc. but in DMV area, I'd give it 3 stars because it's ok, just OK. I like to go early (as early as my hungover ass can wake up) and get a warm B.E.C. (Bacon, egg & cheese) bagel but for $5/$6, that's absurd! *sigh my nyc $2-3 B.E.C. bagel back at home.... Whatever, reality is I can't trek up home EVERYTIME i have a bagel or omg a BIALI! craving (*insert beavis and butthead "uhhhhhh" here*) but Brooklyn Bagels, in this area, I can do. What I really really do not like is the kind of cheese Brooklyn Bagels uses on their bacon, egg, and cheese. The cheese is the processed/fake kind of cheese (think kraft singles or something) not the beloved fresh boars head cheese used in the best NYC delis and for friggin 5 dollars, the least you can do is put on some good cheese dammit! Bagels: Egg, Sesame bagels are all okay, their plain bagel eh but their Everything bagel is way salty for my tastebuds.
(3)James T.
My favorite bagel outlet, Manhattan, has closed. The next nearest is Brooklyn Bagel Bakery and I decided to use it for a brunch gathering of 30 people.. Its website makes clear that bagels are $8.99 a dozen. It wasn't stated that you get 13 bagels when you buy a dozen (called a "baker's dozen"), but I have never been to a bagel outlet that does not give you 13 when you buy a dozen. Enter Brooklyn Bagel, run by an obvious non-NewYorker!! Not only do you not get 13 but the price is $11.89 and not $8.99 for a dozen. So I paid a little over $50 for 4 dozen bagels, vastly more than I have ever paid anywhere else before -- and they only take cash (which strikes me as suspicious for several reasons).. I mentioned the website pricing to the owner/manager and he said the website says "price subject to change at any time." This is not what I would like to have heard. Apparently customer relations is not a strong point for this owner. The bagels are large and pretty good but I am not ready to pay essentially a dollar per bagel quite yet. There are other bagel outlets with excellent bagels, easier parking and less pecuniary owners. Brooklyn likely will not see me again. But it is perfect for Yuppies who don't care what they pay.
(1)Matt M.
Great little bagel place and very handy location as well. I highly recommend the jalapeno bagels which are delicious, although I've tried the garlic and french toast bagels too and they are a close second. Love sitting outside in the sun on a weekend morning in the summer.
(4)Joel P.
Definitely try the jalapeño bagels! Cash only.
(5)Alon S.
A fun place to have breakfast. They only except cash. Very fast pace. They have a few tables outside. You need to be very lucky to get one.
(3)Alli K.
This place doesn't even need another fantastic review, but I'm putting mine here anyway. I moved to Courthouse in July and Brooklyn Bagel has quickly become part of my weekend tradition. My standard order is simple (poppyseed bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox) but is consistently delish. I love the huge variety of cream cheeses and need to branch out and try more of them. Did I mention they also have very good coffee? The real reason I felt the need to leave a review is because of how kindly accommodating they are when I ask for soy milk for my iced coffee. They don't have soy milk sitting out, but the nice lady at the cash register always tells me to go make my iced coffee at the counter, then bring it back to her for a splash of soy milk. Even when it's super crowded (okay it's ALWAYS super crowded), she takes a moment from her steady stream of customers to get me my soy milk. Might seem silly, but I really appreciate small service gestures like that. (PS: I am lactose intolerant, not just being a diva.) Bagels, Etc. in Dupont will probably forever be my favorite bagel place in DC (why can't more New Yorkers relocate here and open real bagel shops?? I will never know. They'd make a killing.) But this is a very close second, and I'm quite happy that it's just around the corner from my apartment.
(5)Albert L.
Great local shop in Courthouse to grab some breakfast on the quick. They've got a decent selection of coffees at reasonable prices, and they have a large breakfast menu that uses their housemade bagels. Really, you can watch the guys behind the counter crank out the dough and boil the bagels. Great stuff. Ordered up a sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything, took but a minute to get it after ordering. These bagels are big and chewy. They do not skimp on size - in fact, they're probably as big as your face. They also layered the sausage, egg, and cheese well enough to give you a nice bite of everything as you work your way through it. It's popular with the locals, so don't be surprised to find it a bit tight in the seating area. There's usually no crazy lines on weekends, so it's a nice option for an early morning energizer pre/post workout.
(4)Kelleigh M.
While visiting DC, we went to Brooklyn bagels while heading back home. Although the line was long and the seating area was full, this was a well run machine. Within a minute, I was ordering my bagels and moving onto the cashier to pay. They definitely have the process down to a science. We ordered 2 coffees (ok-nothing great) and 2 bagels with cream cheese. My fiancé ordered a plain toasted with plain cream cheese and I ordered a cinnamon raisin with honey walnut cream cheese. The bagels were legit-made in house and doughy on the inside and a bit crispy on the outside. The cream cheeses were tasty too. For $10 this was a great deal and a wonderful way to end our trip.
(4)H S.
Can I give 6 stars? This is BY FAR the best bagel in the entire DC metro area. CASH ONLY -- and a few reviewers have complained about that -- but get over it. Really. The bagels are awesome, fresh (made on site and you can see the whole production process), and frequently still warm when we order an extra half dozen to go. Some reviewers have also commented on the ordering experience and it is true - you better know what you want when they ask you or you have no business being in line. This should not be a surprise for a shop with the word "Brooklyn" in its name. For my time and money, I am fine with them insisting that you do not waste their time and mine while you read the menu over and discuss with your friends what kind of bagel you want today. And once they get to know you (and know you will not hold up the line) it is all good. Kind of fun, really. Favorites (beyond the obvious toasted bagel with a shmear in any flavor they offier) are the sausage, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, and the egg salad sandwich. Coffee is really good and fresh too. So get your bagel fix in Arlington -- worth the trip from anywhere.
(5)Shanon J.
Incredible bagels and a good cup of coffee. The place was packed but the service was very fast. The bagels tasted fresh and had a yummy outside crunch.
(5)Jane M.
Bagels are decent, but could definitely be better. Good enough to cure a hangover on a Saturday morning. However, staff is definitely rude and unfriendly. Makes me not want to go back. And cash-only is never convenient.
(3)Joanna C.
Ok, they might have messed up half of my order, but it was still delicious. I went in to order an egg salad bagel (on whatever they had left) and maple walnut raisin cream cheese on a plain bagel. They gave me plain cream cheese on a plain bagel. But I don't care. The egg salad was well worth it. Bring cash, as they don't accept cards, and good luck with parking. :) And try the egg salad! Can't wait for another excuse for a bagel.
(4)I G.
My dad owned and ran deli's in NYC and Westchester county NY. I basically grew up in a deli. I will admit the bagel was very good, tasty and the right amount of chewy. Not much in common with restaurant of same name that I frequent in Wellington FL. My main problem with this place was that it was dirty and when a cockroach ran across the table (mind you this was late December) my easy going wife said enough let's go and just left the rest of her bagel. Funny we spent a couple of weeks in Lima Peru this year eating at all types of restaurants, never saw a restaurant as filthy and unsanitary as this one. Does the board of health not check restaurants in Arlington VA? And what's with the cash only policy? People working at the BB in Arlington were not very friendly or helpful. Empty coffee canisters while employees stood around doing nothing, maybe they should have been washing their hands and cleaning the restaurant. Kind of gross overall wouldn't go back.
(2)Katie E.
This is my go-to spot for those mornings when you're a little hungover. Or a lot hungover. Or when you just need some delicious, cheesy eggs on a bagel stat. The bagels are very tasty and made at the location. The dough is chewy with a crisp crust--yum! I usually get the sausage, egg and cheese on a wheat bagel. The portions are large and it's all made right in front of you. The cream cheese is also delicious. Be prepared--it's cash only. There is an ATM there, but bring cash to avoid ATM fees. Also, on weekends, all the young people in the area seem to come here for their weekend breakfast (probably hungover like me, so I'm not hating). Lines are long, but those guys behind the counter are PROS. They are quick and efficient. Have your order ready to avoid having them yell "What are you having?" multiple times. Oh, and not lots of seating, so have someone grab a table while you're in line or grab seating outside on a nice day. A must do if you want some delicious, homemade bagels. They have lots of choices and lots of toppings.
(5)Vinay I.
Great bagels - all made in-house (you can even see them being made!) Very nice breakfast sandwiches. Fast service - these guys can move the lines very fast! Small seating capacity, however.
(4)Tamara S.
Thought I was in the 70s with the cash only policy. I can see why there are no lines in that place. The sandwich was ok, but for the inconvenience of payment, I could have made something better at home.
(1)Cassandra M.
A fine bagel spot. Convenient, pretty good coffee. Bagel barely toasted and tough. Nothing like the bagels I've had in Brooklyn. Won't be back.
(3)Nichole B.
I only frequent this place when I want to grab a quick sandwich or a quick bagel. I think this is a great local bagel shop in the Courthouse corridor if you are trying to get a quick bite to eat. The staff is pretty friendly and courteous and it is nice to know you can watch them prepare your food as well. They have pretty decent lunch specials that start at 4.99 and the portions are very generous. They also serve pizza as well. There bagel selection is pretty extensive and they are a nice size as well. Just a quick reminder to bring cash with you because they do not have a credit card machine on hand.
(3)Mangala M.
Bagels are something that I've been craving a lot. A nice toasted cruncy exterior, with a soft pillowy center dressed in a decadent cream cheese. A good bagel is hard to find especially when you do not live in NYC. This is where Brooklyn bagel delivers! An amazing delicious bagel just like the ones you find in NYC. This place is definitely all the hype. Remember to bring cash and come hungry! It's well worth the trip, enjoy!
(5)Donn D.
I recently tried this place after watching a movie at AMC Courthouse, and I'm glad I did. I just tried one of their Reuben sandwich and it was delicious. The portions of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese was just right.
(4)Sage W.
the people works there its svks ,i never eat anything from there ever...!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)Kathryn O.
This place has the BEST bagels in Arlington. The line on Saturdays and Sundays can be pretty long, but it moves quickly. Note that this place does NOT take credit cards, so you have to have cash (there's an ATM in there and a BoA around the corner). Also, there's parking behind the restaurant if there's nothing on the street/you don't have change. I basically only get the everything bagel with cream cheese, but my boyfriend switches it up with various egg sandwiches and/or spreads, and they're all delicious. I think some of the drinks and especially the fruit are overpriced, but it's definitely worth it.
(5)Jerome T.
Place is the best. I always go for the BLT. Sometimes I worry that my girlfriend likes this place more than she likes me. Great coffee too, and a good atmosphere for Saturday morning reading the paper. Always impressed without how the staff manages the chaos in there when its busy. Bagels as big as your head. Make sure you have cash.
(5)Eunice M.
I thought my bagel was terrible. It might be because they didn't toast my bagel, though I specifically asked them to. I didn't realize until I got back to my office though. In any case, it was not very good.
(2)Allison P.
This place has a monopoly on hungover Courthouse/Rosslyn residents. It's a little pricey, but literally the only bagel shop in town. I ordered a multigrain bagel w/lox & cream cheese. Everything was A-OK. K ordered some crazy egg breakfast sandwich and loved every bite of it. I'll be back when the bagel crave strikes again, and hopefully I don't forget cash.
(3)David H.
Bagels are pretty good, the everything could have more "everything," but at least it wasn't salty i'll be sure to try a breakfast sandwich next time
(4)Ming I.
one of the few places you can get good bagels in dc
(4)Rachel W.
Among the best bagels in DC. They have nearly every flavor bagel and spread. I feel like I'm eating at a bagelry back in my home state of NJ. Just remember to bring cash when you go!
(5)Jennifer R.
Another favorite of mine. The bagels are just like New York bagels crispy outside soft inside. I'm not kidding this place is good. Any bagel is good. With butter with cream cheese or with ham egg and cheese! They have many beverages to choose from and their sugar cookies are to die for too.
(5)Katie P.
Brooklyn Bagel is delicious! The interior is a bit small for the number of people usually inside, and parking can be difficult. But this isn't the far out burbs, so what can you expect? The breakfast is delicious, substantial, and well worth it. The French toast bagel is heaven in breakfast form! The bacon is usually a tad but overdone, but is quite tasty! Well worth it!!
(4)Que Q.
Great location...the bagels are not bad. However, BBB customer service stinks. This is 2013 and your business does not accepts credit cards? We know what that's about. These cash only business do this to skirt around paying their fare share of taxes. I stopped in this morning to get a bagel.They guy on the register reached back and grabbed my selection with a tissue but his fingers were all over the bagel. Maybe some of you don't mind, but I do. I asked him to get someone else to retrieve another bagel without touching it. He denied touching the bagel with his fingers and said a few choice words in his dialect. Another guy stepped up, put on gloves ( as they should) and retrieve my selection, giving attitude too. Needless to say, after posting this review I will go directly to Arlington County Health Department and file a formal complaint.
(1)Ahmad M.
I've eaten here several times and it is always great. Their bagels are fresh and delicious and everything is cooked right in front if you. Today I added something new to my order, vanilla chai latte, it was fantastic. This palace will continue to be a regular spot for me
(5)Steph S.
Don't get all the great reviews for this place. We ordered bagel ham and egg sandwiches four $10. As you can see from my picture the ham is so skimpy. Also the bagels are nothing amazing.
(1)Nish P.
Solid! Fresh, quick, and always what you expected.
(5)Kara S.
Great bagels! Fresh with many bagel and cream cheese options. this place doesn't overload the bagel with cream cheese but puts on just the right amount! very friendly staff and quick to complete orders. This place is CASH only so make sure you don't just have your credit cards on hand.
(4)Jay V.
Best bagel shop I've been to in the area. Right combination of crunchy exterior and chewy interior. Good size bagels and they tasted great across my favorites (everything, sesame, poppy). I stopped by here for breakfast or lunch quite regularly when I worked and lived in Courthouse.
(5)Jen B.
Best spot in Courthouse for a quick breakfast. Love their egg & cheese sandwiches and there's a pretty good selection of bagels. It is cash only and the ATM inside can be hit or miss. Don't be scared off by the long lines on the weekends- it moves pretty fast.
(5)M H Z.
Just ok. Decent bagels, coffee and sandwiches. Not good enough to take home a dozen or trek out from Fairfax. Bagels from wegmans are better.
(3)Joshua S.
Hands down the best bagels in VA/DC/MD! Usually order 2-3 dozen at a time and freeze them. Have been a staple at our house since we tried them two years ago.
(5)YF K.
Sort of disappointed! Maybe my expectation is too high! It's okay and edible but don't be fool by the name and expect too much.
(3)Stephie Z.
One of my favorite places to breakfast while in DC. I wish Atlanta had some better bagel joints. The lox, cream cheese, and onion on a garlic or everything bagel is where it's at. Shit can't be beat!
(4)Marc W.
I love the everything bagels! Never had a bad meal here, and the service is always top notch. They even serve La Colombe coffee. Overall best bagels in the area!
(5)Kevin L.
I grew up in Jersey, so I appreciate (and love) good bagels. This is the best bagel place by far in northern VA. I can see how some folks going for the first time are a bit intimidated --- but worth it. As a regular, I still feel rushed....they get crazy busy because they are that good. I will continue to go!
(5)Kate R.
i don't get it. We only had breakfast sandwiches, but they weren't orgasmic. I expected a lot more from this place from the reviews. But on second review, I noticed most of these people consider Clarendon DC and well, we know that's far from the truth. Anyways, we each got a bagel sammy, one egg and cheese on an everything and one on an onion. The bagels were average at best, the onion one was sloppily put together so that the egg part was scrunched on one side of the sammy. The coffee was average. The service wasn't bad, but it could be improved. The just kind of bark at you for your order and you move along the line. The regular coffee was out when I went to grab mine, there was maybe 1 person in there the whole time i was there, so you'd think that'd be something they'd be on top of. sayin'
(2)Dorrie D.
My favorite bagels in the DC/VA/MD area. I tend to buy the dozen, and also pick up one or two of their homemade cream cheeses. The bagels are huge, and each one makes for a filling meal. Least favorite is the cinnamon raison (too hard). Best for me are likely the sesame seed, the french toast (though best eaten fresh), and the "Everything"/Onion. Some personal favorite memories are quiet mornings reading paper and eating bagels/drinking coffee with boyfriend outside of this place. Particularly good memories when I am referring to days when I am "teleworking".
(5)Paul F.
Fresh bagels baked beautifully . Hard-working mom-and-pop staff. Good menu selection and reasonable prices. Suck it Brueggers and Einstein!
(5)Mike S.
This place is great. Aside from the 'cash-only' nonsense; I'm a huge fan. They have a great selection of bagels, toppings and cream cheeses. I myself love the sun-dried tomato bagel with salmon and humus, which is weird I'll admit; but they do it right every time.
(4)